Around 600 births are needed at Grantham Hospital in the next two years to convince health bosses the service is viable.

In November last year Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust announced the results of a public consultation on the future of health services in the county.

It said 300 births a year were needed either in the unit or at home if the midwife-managed maternity unit at Grantham was to stay open.

The PCT said there was potential for up to 800 births a year in the Grantham area.

Since November there have been 85 births either in the unit or at home with help from Grantham midwives.

Many first-time mums or those facing complications with their pregnancy use the consultant-led maternity unit at Lincoln County Hospital instead of the unit at Grantham.

The PCT will decide in April 2010 whether the service is being used enough to remain open.

A spokesman said: "We have agreed to look at the service over a two-year period during which time we are doing more detailed work with United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and will have a clearer position once this has been completed."

The Grantham and Sleaford branch of the National Childbirth Trust plans a publicity campaign to encourage mums to use the service at Grantham.
Chairman Liz Tibbett said: "I can't speak highly enough of the unit – it's an essential service.

"Women need to have choice. Birth isn't about numbers, it's about real lives. To have the service here on our doorstep is essential.

"We're hoping local GPs will push the service a bit more."

South Kesteven District Council member and hospital camapaigner Mike Williams said: "It's a good unit - it's the best unit in Lincolnshire and my feeling is they should have invested in Grantham rather than Lincoln.

More information about the National Childbirth Trust is available at www.nct.org.uk

Do you think the unit should stay open? Click here to e-mail us.