ANGRY Ryedale residents have packed out a meeting in their determination to show health bosses their support for Malton's maternity unit.

More than 50 people - some of whom had brought children with them - attended the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust meeting in Malton to voice their concerns about modernisation plans for the unit at Malton Hospital.

Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust is currently reviewing facilities.

One option being considered could see outlying maternity units in Malton, Whitby and Bridlington closed down and services centralised to Scarborough.

County councillor David Lloyd-Williams showed board members a huge 3,800-signature petition collected by a group of Norton mums.

"I am concerned, like everyone else in this room, about the so-called threat of closure to Malton maternity unit," he said.

"The feeling of support for this hospital is extreme.

"In another two or three weeks there will probably be 5,000 or more signatures."

PCT chief executive Michael Whitworth said everyone at the PCT, which pays the NHS Trust to provide the maternity service, was aware of the support.

"There is the highest level of concern and interest in this topic, shown by the amount of letters we are receiving already," he said.

"We know we need to do something to get a whole range of views from members of the public and staff involved in the service.

"I am thinking from the level of support shown here that we need to do that quickly."

Colin Barnes, PCT chairman, said: "This PCT is totally committed to the community hospitals.

"We wish to stand and support them and in order to do that we need to get the views of a number of people.

"Crucially we think we need to get the views of members of the public."

Mr Barnes said that a public meeting would be held in the coming weeks, rather than months, to allow more in-depth discussion to take place.

In the meantime, he added, concerned residents should write to the NHS Trust in Scarborough or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on (01653) 600800 with their views.

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, February 05, 2003