HEALTH chiefs have set a provisional date for moving most maternity, obstetrics and children s services from the QEII in Welwyn Garden City to Lister Hospital in Stevenage. A consultation period will begin in mid-November, with the decision-making process

HEALTH chiefs have set a provisional date for moving most maternity, obstetrics and children's services from the QEII in Welwyn Garden City to Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

A consultation period will begin in mid-November, with the decision-making process concluding by the end of June next year and the anticipated move taking place late in 2008.

All emergency children's health services will be centralised at Lister, but children can still be taken to the QEII for urgent checks when referred by a GP.

The plans also mean women will give birth at Lister, although scans and before and after birth services will still be available at the QEII.

Community and outpatient services for women's and children's services will remain the same.