CAMPAIGNERS have issued a rallying call to keep a special care baby unit at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Letters are being circulated in the town warning of proposed changes at the town's £65m hospital.

Under the plan, the unit would move to Darlington, with some maternity, gynaecology and child health services.

The letter highlights concern about a possible reduction in medical cover at Bishop Auckland's maternity unit and at its children's ward after 9pm.

The plans have been circulated for consultation by County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust, and a series of public meetings are scheduled in May.

But campaigners are worried no one will attend the meetings because they do not realise the impact the changes might have on the community.

The letter says: "Having built up an excellent reputation over many years in such a widespread rural area, public support is essential in order to ensure that we do not lose vital services for our women and future generations.''

Valerie Brydon, chief officer of South Durham and Weardale Community Health Council, also has concerns about the move.

"Naturally we are very disappointed, but the movement of the baby care unit is only one of our concerns about the proposals," she said.

"It is important that the public come along to the meetings and ask questions."

The proposals form part of plans to merge the South Durham and North Durham hospital trusts, designed in part to overcome capacity problems at the University Hospital of North Durham.

They would see the integration of the work of all three acute hospitals in County Durham, making the Bishop Auckland hospital the main treatment centre for non-urgent surgery, thus easing pressure on the Durham hospital.

A spokesman for the health trust said: "It is important that people find out what the proposals are.''

The meetings are at Spennymoor Town Hall (May 1), Darlington's Dolphin Centre (May 13), Consett Civic Hall (May 15), Bishop Auckland Masonic Hall (May 16), Durham Collingwood College (May 20) and Haswell Village Meeting Room (May 27). All start at 7pm.