THE MP for Central Devon, has vowed to do all he can to fight proposed cuts in overnight stays at Okehampton Hospital's maternity unit.

NHS Devon wants to replace overnight stays with out-of-hours calls to midwives between 8pm and 8am. But concerned new mothers have warned the changes will seriously affect them at this most important time for parents and babies.

After a tour of Okehampton Hospital on Saturday, Mel Stride MP met maternity unit staff and was told that the proposed changes to the vital overnight stay facility would seriously affect much-needed care and support, especially for those new mothers experiencing difficulties breast feeding.

He said: 'I have always been hugely impressed with the hospital and was no less so on this occasion. I am very grateful to the staff who showed me around and made me feel so welcome.

'I have significant concerns about the proposed changes to the provision for overnight stays for new mothers, particularly regarding the issue of initial breast feeding.  

'The strong message I have received from a number of staff, as well as in the past from those who have used or are due to use this service, is that overnight stay provision is vital.'

The MP urged NHS Devon to take his concerns into account during the consultation period on the proposals which is due to end on September 6.

The NHS Devon proposals for Okehampton reflect similar moves in respect of maternity units at Tiverton and Honiton hospitals where the changes have also met resistance.

The baby feeding and changing marquee at Okehampton Show will be manned again this year by the Okehampton Maternity Unit and staff from the Okehampton Children's Centre.

Okehampton Maternity Unit is open as usual for all births and overnight stays.