A CONTROVERSIAL maternity shake-up which will determine the long term future of Harwich and Clacton’s units has been postponed.

The options, which may include permanent closure, were due to be discussed at the North-East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group board meeting next week.

But a review of these options have now been delayed to allow for the outcome of an external review into the safety of maternity services run by Colchester Hospital.

Mum of six Helen Gardner, who has been campaigning to keep maternity services in Harwich and Clacton, said the CCG had made the right decision to postpone a review over the long term future of the units.

“I think we have definitely got to have a full and proper report especially in light of what NICE has found,” she said.