Mum’s campaign to reopen maternity centre after KCC cuts

A pregnant mother has launched a campaign to reopen a maternity centre following its closure to save public money.

Rachael Martin-Ball, 39, claims Greenlands at Darenth Children’s Centre in Dartford should not have been shut in a round of cuts and calls for a reversal of that decision are gathering support via an online petition.

Kent County Council (KCC) announced last year plans to close 35 centres across the county to save money in current and future maintenance.

KCC, under pressure to find savings in the face of soaring costs and squeezed central government revenues, claimed at the time that alternative sites offering the same services would be available nearby and expanded to meet the new demand.

Mrs Martin Ball, who works for a national Alzheimer’s charity, is clear in her goal – to have Greenlands reopened once more.

She had previously used the centre while pregnant with her first son, who is now 16-months-old, where she said she received “exceptional” care during midwifery appointments.

Greenlands is now officially shut, although Mrs Martin-Ball, who is three months pregnant, says it is still used by a “lone midwife” to see patients.

The centre is dirty and no longer cleaned, which the Fleet estate homeowner says is a “health hazard”.

In her petition statement to Change.org, asking for support, Mrs Martin-Ball writes: “Many residents petitioned against the closures, including responding to a public consultation to save the vital services for children and other vulnerable groups.

“When raising these valid concerns, KCC provided several reassurances that all existing patients would be seen by other centres, many of which would expand in the reorganisation to absorb the additional capacity of those who would be displaced.

“I visited Greenlands for an appointment on July 26 2024.

“Though this centre is listed as ‘officially closed’, midwives are still having to use it to serve expectant parents under entirely unacceptable circumstances, as no alternative location has been offered for their patient cohort to be seen.

“The centre is gutted, appearing derelict, and is staffed by a midwife lone-working, using a walkie-talkie to communicate with attending patients.

“The reception staff no longer work, cleaners do not attend meaning the building is filthy.”

Despite KCC reassurances, says Mrs Martin-Ball, the impact of the closures has not been considered or planned for, stranding “large swathes” of patients.

When Mrs Martin-Ball, who is also a local Labour councillor in the Stone House ward, arrived at the centre she was “shocked” at how dirty it was.

She said: “The reception was filthy – there’s dust all over the floor…and I also find it incredibly disappointing that cleaners are no longer going onto the site.”

But just as concerning for her is the use of the building for a lone worker.

Mrs Martin-Ball said it was less concerning during the long summer days but moreso as winter approaches.

She was able to show us an invitation email for her appointment on July 26 with the midwife to prove the centre is still being used.

KCC member for Dartford Cllr Kelly Grehan (Lab) said: “I support Rachael’s campaign to get Greenlands back open again. At the time, we raised concerns from mums and mums to be.

“We have to  hope that common sense prevails. ”

In response, a spokesman for KCC said: “Greenfields Darenth Children’s Centre was closed following the Community Services Consultation and subsequent Cabinet decision made at the end of November last year.

“The council introduced new Family Hubs throughout Kent to deliver advice, support and services including Midwifery throughout Kent.

“Midwifery is using space in all other Dartford Family Hubs to provide the service for the displaced appointments from the closure of Greenfields.

“KCC is currently in talks with partners for the further use of Greenfields and should an agreement be reached service users will be advised.”

The NHS has been approached for comment.