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Concerned moms sound alarm over potential closure of birthing centre

Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty

TORONTO – Ontario’s health minister says he is confident that even if an obstetrics unit in the Leamington hospital closes, women and babies in the area will receive high-quality care.

Eric Hoskins says a decision is expected in June on whether Leamington District Memorial Hospital will close its birthing unit due to a funding shortfall.

Hoskins met with a group of pregnant women and concerned community members who travelled to the legislature today to put pressure on the government to ensure the unit stays open.

He says the Local Health Integration Network is compiling a report, which he expects will be completed in April, so the public can give input before a decision is made in June.

Hoskins says he won’t prejudge that decision, but if there is any change to services in Leamington it would be phased in over a period of time to guarantee patients’ safety and security.

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The women from Leamington say they worry that if they have to travel an hour to Windsor to give birth, mothers will be delivering babies on the side of the highway.

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