PEOPLE are being asked to have their say over the future of maternity services in north east Essex.

The NHS will launch a consultation from this Wednesday, October 15, to December 10.

The consultation is over maternity services provided in the community as well as at Colchester General Hospital, the Fryatt Hospital in Harwich and Clacton Hospital.

One option being considered is for Clacton and Harwich to remain as “on-demand”, midwife-led units.

Another is for Clacton and Harwich to return to being midwife-led units, open 24/7 .

Antenatal and postnatal care would continue at the venues under both options.

The public can find out more about the consultation and give their views by picking up a leaflet from libraries, children’s centres, GP surgeries and the maternity units in Colchester, Clacton and Harwich.

The leaflet includes a survey which can be posted without the need for a stamp.

Alternatively go online at www.neessexccg.nhs.uk via the News section for full details and an online survey, or email neeccg.haveyoursay@nhs.net

A number of events are being held at children’s centres, hospitals and clinics where there is an opportunity to talk to representatives, including midwives and doctors.

The first take will place at St Nicholas Children’s Centre, Stour Road, Harwich, on Thursday from 10am to noon.

The next will be at Highwoods Children’s Centre, The Ark, Jack Andrews Drive, Colchester, on Monday October 20 at the same times.

Another event will be at Clacton Hospital Maternity Unit on Tuesday October 21 between 10.30am and 11.30am.