A mother who gave birth outside a locked maternity unit has criticised health bosses for not keeping it open around the clock.
Raz Mack, 27, of Valentine Way, Silver End, gave birth to a baby boy called Bobby in the car park outside the locked maternity unit at Braintree's William Julien Courtauld (WJC) Hospital.
Miss Mack said: "I am angry because staff there are really, really good and it's a shame it's not open 24 hours. With that good staff, there is no reason why it should not be.
"The people responsible need telling - get it open!"
When she went into labour in the early hours of Wednesday, Miss Mack called the WJC number, but due to the system was automatically transferred to St John's Hospital, Chelmsford.
Her partner, Andy Harris, 29, drove her to the Braintree maternity unit not realising they were supposed to be going to Chelmsford.
St John's Hospital sent a paramedic, who helped deliver the baby, before a midwife arrived to open up the unit.
Marion Williams, chairman of Witham Braintree & Halstead Care Trust, which commissions maternity services from the Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, said: "We are very concerned that this incident occurred and would like to profusely apologise to the lady in question."
A spokesperson for Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust said: "We are equally concerned and are conducting a joint investigation with the Witham Braintree & Halstead Care Trust into the incident to learn any lessons and ensure there is no repeat."
Published Monday June 14, 2004
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