"Maternity block for Lichfield Victoria Hospital – A Beautiful Building fitted with every Modern Convenience" said Lichfield's 'The Mercury' reporting the Maternity Block's Opening by Alderman Mrs Stuart Shaw on Friday May 18th, 1941 in the depths of the Second World War. 60 years on, Michael Fabricant asks "Will the Maternity Unit have a future 12 months from now? Will it see its 62nd anniversary?"

Michael Fabricant has learned that when the South Staffordshire Health Authority finally issues its recommendations for hospital care in the area, the report has been delayed until after the election is over, it is likely that the Maternity Unit will be reprieved – but only for around 10 months.

"I have just learned that a combination of pressure from local people and medical staff will result in a temporary stay of execution", says Michael Fabricant. "But I understand that the Health Authority, which is under considerable financial pressure to make swingeing cuts, will also recommend the closure of the Victoria Hospital to be replaced by a hospital on the St Michael's site. It is not anticipated that the Maternity Unit will be continued there.

"At a time when the City is expanding in size, now is not the time to see a diminution of services. The Government has raised huge financial reserves from higher taxes and by spending less on health and education than the Conservative years. Now is the time to give some of this money back to strengthen the decaying infrastructure for the people of Lichfield and Burntwood".