MIDWIVES campaigning in support of the Helme Chase Maternity Unit have come out in favour of a fourth option for its future, writes our Health Reporter Michaela Robinson-Tate.

The midwives, who were joined by thousands of people on the streets of Kendal for a protest march on Saturday, are backing findings drawn up by a steering group charged with reviewing the unit's future.

They say the proposals are different to the three out to consultation, and would mean planned Caesarean sections could continue at Kendal, and there would be additional midwives for both Helme Chase and Lancaster.

On Saturday, between 2,000 and 3,000 people joined a Royal College of Midwives march in support of the Charter Mark-holding unit.

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Collins said: "This was perhaps the biggest demonstration in Kendal's history.

"If democracy means anything, those responsible for Helme Chase's future must now listen - and not only abandon any thought of closing the unit this year, but scrap any changes which might question its survival in years to come."

A steering group led by retired consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist George Turnbull reviewed Helme Chase, partly because current staffing does not meet national guidelines.

Following the review, Morecambe Bay Health Authority - which funds Helme Chase and has the final say over its future - launched a three-month consultation exercise.

Three options of no change, closure, and the health authority's preferred option of a midwife-led unit were put forward.

However, the midwives claim the midwife-led proposals differ from the Turnbull review, which they would like to see implemented.

Royal College of Midwives spokeswoman Audrey Hawkes said she was "absolutely delighted" with support for the march, and the RCM wanted to known why the Turnbull report was being "ignored."

MBHA chiefs have confirmed that all alternative proposals will be examined.

A petition opposing closure, and calling on the health authority to follow the wishes of the midwives in deciding which services to provide, has been signed by 5,300 people.

Organised by Kendal mother Nicola Kaye, and Mr Collins, it will be presented by the MP to the health authority, and on the floor of the House of Commons.

Mr Collins has also applied for an adjournment debate on Helme Chase in the Commons.

This week, members of South Lakeland District Council's environmental services committee voted to support the health authority's midwife-led unit option.

An amendment proposed by John Studholme, asking for the existing specialist services at Helme Chase to be kept, was defeated by nine votes to eight.