The 670-bed hospital in Smethwick is set to include an accident and emergency department, maternity unit, specialist children's wards and critical care unit.

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However, he added that whatever happened, several essential services had to remain local to the area, including an accident and emergency department, emergency surgery and maternity and children's care.

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The trust has said that whatever happened, several essential services had to remain local to the area, including an accident and emergency department, emergency surgery and maternity and children's care.

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"We have also recruited 12 registered nurses for the Emergency Department and also registered nurses in Maternity, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to developing and maintaining our workforce, " the spokesman added.

BBC: Cheltenham General Hospital

And the Department of Health said what was important about maternity changes was to give women "informed choice".

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The study, carried out by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on behalf of the Department of Health, involves an audit of every maternity unit in England and Wales over a three-month period between May and July of this year.

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