TWO maternity units in Worcestershire have appeared on a list of at risk' services published by the Conservative party.

The midwife-led Wyre Forest Birth Centre and the maternity unit of the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch were among 43 maternity units which the Tories said were either under threat of being downgraded or closed, or had been closed.

The list was published after cabinet minister Hazel Blears was accused of hypocrisy for campaigning to save a maternity unit in her constituency.

Ms Blears rejected the charge, saying: "My first and foremost job is to represent the people of Salford and I will continue to make the case that Salford needs its maternity services."

But shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "The Government talks about delivering choice to mothers, but cutbacks are taking that choice away."

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said: "Next time Tony Blair or Patricia Hewitt tries to reassure people its cuts are in the best interests of patients, the public will be entitled to point out that a fellow Cabinet member disagrees."

The Worcester News revealed in July plans by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Board to move all maternity services to Worcester, claiming the proposals will give parents-to-be more choice about how to give birth.