CAMPAIGNERS say advice published by health experts has been ignored after maternity units were only re-opened as birthing units.

The wards at Harwich and Clacton were closed for births in a shock move earlier this year due to staff shortages in Colchester.

Campaigner Jenny Semple, who organised a protest march and twilight vigil against the maternity closure, said: “Why have they waited this long to take any action?

“They have ignored what NICE have said about midwife led units – why have they only opened it as an on-demand birthing unit?

“What will happen to aftercare? We have a lot of young needy mums in Harwich who will be affected by this decision.”