COUNCILLORS have been waiting seven months for answers after major concerns were raised over plans to “downgrade” neonatal services at Southend Hospital.

Back in March, Southend Council put seven recommendations, including “pausing” the plan, to hospital bosses over fears that care for premature babies could be impacted by proposals for the hospital’s neonatal unit.

As part of the plan, the level two unit caring for babies from 27 weeks gestation would be “redesignated” a level one special care baby unit caring for babies from 32 weeks.

The move would see very premature babies delivered at Basildon Hospital, meaning longer journeys for families at a distressing time.

At a meeting on Thursday, former Independent councillor Tricia Cowdrey asked what progress had been made. Maxine Sadza, councillor responsible for social care and healthier communities, said she was still waiting for answers.

Following the meeting, Ms Cowdrey said: “Bearing in mind that at the scrutiny meeting held in March this year all councillors raised serious concerns and put forward seven recommendations, I am shocked that no action has been taken.

“Additionally they were asked to clarify budgetary impact as well as impact on staff. Babies have already been transferred to either Basildon or Chelmsford, resulting in parents incurring huge costs in order to spend essential time with their newborns.”

A spokesman for campaign group Save Southend NHS, said: “We fully agree with Tricia Cowdrey. She has rightly - as we have for some time now - raised community concerns over the downgrading of services at Southend Hospital for expectant mothers and their babies. It’s yet another flagrant insult to Southend’s citizens.”

At the meeting, former Labour councillor Kay Mitchell also raised concerns that maternity services were adequately funded because of negligence claims in South Essex amounting to £63million.

She added: “There are no planned alterations that will affect the safety of maternity services for families and staff in Southend.”

Nicki Abbott, director of women’s and children’s division for Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “We heard the concerns of the committee at the time. The interim arrangements remain safe and are delivering high quality care for babies and their parents .”