A MAJOR public consultation on the future of maternity services will be launched next month.

It will centre on whether maternity units in Clacton and Harwich should be open for births around the clock or only when mums-to-be are about to give birth.

The consultation is being run by the North East Essex clinical commissioning group from October 15 to December 10 and will include a series of public events in Clacton, Harwich and Colchester.

There will also be online surveys, displays in maternity units in Tendring and at Colchester General, and drop-in events at children’s centres. The consultation has been delayed by a fortnight so it does not clash with the Clacton by-election.

In March staff shortages at Colchester General Hospital led Colchester Hospitals Trust to temporarily shut the 24/7 Clacton and Harwich units for all births.

They were reopened on an “on demand” basis in July.

Once a mum has given birth in Clacton or Harwich, they are either discharged when ready or sent to Colchester General for more care, as they cannot stay overnight.

A report on the consultation, to be discussed by Essex County Council panel this week, says maternity services will remain at Clacton, Harwich, Colchester and Halstead hospitals.

But NHS bosses are also looking at whether to offer more pre and post-birth care in people’s homes, children’s centres and GP surgeries.

The two options will be assessed on factors including their effectiveness, safety, efficency and the results of the consultation.

A final decision will be made in January next year.