I WOULD like to say thank all the staff in the maternity unit at York Hospital for the care and support they give to local families.

Our daughter was born on October 14 without complications and we are so grateful for all the help and professionalism of the midwives and other staff.

In particular, I’d like to thank our community midwife, Denise, for taking such great care of us in the first few days since the birth.  Our NHS services are invaluable and we need to see them protected, not sold off to the highest bidder. Sadly, Andrew Lansley’s Health and Social Care Bill could mark the beginning of the end for the NHS as we know it.

People in York are rightly concerned, and this is why I voted in full council for the Labour motion urging the Secretary of State to rethink this Bill.

Mr Lansley is coming to York today to speak at a Conservative Party fundraiser. He should instead see for himself the fantastic work taking place in our NHS hospital, rather than raising money for a party which is undermining the foundations of such a well-loved institution.

Hands off our NHS!

Coun Linsay Cunningham-Cross, Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without