A video has been produced to help explain where and how Bury residents can access maternity and children’s services after the closures.

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Fairfield, has put the video on its website, You Tube and on its Twitter account @pennineacute nhs.

From tomorrow, overnight maternity and children’s services will transfer from Fairfield to North Manchester General and the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Other maternity services, including routine out-patient ante-natal care and scans, will remain at the hospital, along with the paediatric observation and assessment unit.

Cathy Trinick, divisional director for women and children’s services, said: “We are encouraging pregnant women in particular to ask questions about their care. It is important women speak with their midwife if they need any more information or have questions.

“Tours around the new and expanded units at North Manchester General Hospital and the Royal Bolton Hospital are available, so women and their partners can see the new facilities and meet staff.”

Services are being closed as part of the £120 million Making It Better Programme, which aims to improve healthcare in the community and concentrate hospital services in fewer, larger units. Babies will only be born in Bury if their mother chooses to have a home birth, with support from midwives.

Many women will travel to either North Manchester General Hospital, in Crumpsall, or the Royal Bolton Hospital to have their babies delivered. New, expanded multi-million pound centres have been opened at the Hospitals to provide maternity care for more patients. The services for sick children and young people in Bury will also change.

While overnight children’s wards at Fairfield will close, the accident and emergency department will continue to treat children who need emergency care.

For more information, patients and expectant women can speak to their community midwife or call 0161 656 1757 or mat.feedback@ pat.nhs.uk.