A HAMPSHIRE MP has condemned the reduction or cutting of antenatal services to help ease the NHS financial crisis.

Romsey MP Sandra Gidley is concerned by claims made by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) that valuable support for pregnant women is being cut because of the NHS's financial troubles.

The charity has identified at least ten areas in England and Wales where NHS antenatal classes have been cut or "temporarily suspended", including Romsey.

Mrs Gidley said: "Antenatal classes help women prepare for childbirth and knowing what to expect can help make the experience a more comfortable and less medical one."

A spokeswoman for the NCT said: "These cuts in maternity services may reflect a more widespread pattern.

"The NCT is concerned that these short-term measures to ease financial deficits are having a negative effect on new parents and parents-to-be, preventing them from getting the information and support they need at this important stage in their lives."

The Department of Health (DoH) said it expected local NHS trusts to follow guidelines set down in the Children's National Service Framework (NSF) and by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Full story see today's Daily Echo