VERY few babies are recorded as Tyrone births following the closure of maternity services at Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh followed by the South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon.

But this might be about to change. The Western Health and Social Services Board has been asked to undertake a feasibility study into the establishment of a Community Midwifery Unit in the Omagh area.

Glynis Henry, the board's acting chief nurse, is chairing the project board which has been set up to carry out the feasibility study for submission to DHSSPS by December 15.

The project board also includes representatives from the board, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, a range of health professionals and a member nominated through the Local Maternity Services Liaison Committee.

Mrs Henry said, "As we undertake this work we feel it is very important to hear from members of the public and especially from women on their views on Community Midwifery Units. We are, therefore, holding a number of public meetings during November and we hope people, in particular women, will take the opportunity to come to the sessions so they can hear more about how Community Midwifery Units can work and crucially so that we can listen to their views and questions."

The series of public meetings takes place next week, with gatherings in Newtownstewart in the morning and Omagh in the evening. A third meeting will take place in Irvinestown on Tuesday evening. The meetings will be facilitated by the rural support network in each of the three areas.

Omagh Forum for Rural Associations chairperson Monica Coyle, herself a former midwife, said, "There is nothing as precious as bringing new life into the world and in this day and age parental choice is a common term. We want local people, women in particular, to have their say on whether or not they would like their baby born in a community midwifery-led unit. Come along and help shape the future of the service."

The meetings are taking place in: Newtownstewart 2000 centre, 10am on Monday. Book with Eileen at 816 62588; Strule Arts Centre, Omagh at 7.30pm on Monday. Book with Mandy at 82 251559; Arc Healthy Living Centre, Sallyswood, Irvinestown at 7.30pm on Tuesday. Book with Frances on 66 327006. Prior booking is recommended.