A FATHER who had to drive to Worcester with his one-hour-old baby in the back of his car says he would think twice about another birth at downgraded Kidderminster Hospital.

Keith Coldrick had to pursue an ambulance carrying his wife Beverley to Ronkswood hospital following complications after the birth of their daughter Katie.

Kidderminster's maternity unit was unable to treat Mrs Coldrick, resulting in a 20-mile drive at speeds of up to 70mph.

Health campaigners say the incident on Monday, June 11, vindicates their attempts to stop the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust say baby Katie had been examined and was well before staff gave Mr Coldrick a safety seat.

They say it was not appropriate for the 9lb tot to be transferred with her mother, who needed the attention of a paramedic and midwife.

"It was pretty surprising to find myself driving at up to 70mph to Worcester at 3am in the morning after all the trauma of the birth," said caterer Mr Coldrick, aged 49, of Woodthorpe Drive, Bewdley.

"I don't blame any of the staff in any way - they were all excellent - but it goes to show what the downgrading of Kidderminster has achieved."

"We had our first son, Thomas, at Kidderminster four years ago. We would think twice about going back if we have another child."

Malcolm Cooper, of the Health Watch campaign said: "This is not going to be an isolated incident.

"It is going to happen on a continual basis. I think it vindicates our attempt to stop the downgrading of Kidderminster."

A statement from the hospital trust said Mrs Coldrick, 34, required emergency treatment and was given support in the ambulance - which has only three seats - by a midwife and paramedic.

"Baby Katie had been examined and was well, and a midwife did assist Mrs Coldrick in checking that Katie was safely installed in the baby car seat before Mr Coldrick followed the ambulance.

"The mother's well-being was of paramount importance, but the trust also wanted to keep mother and baby together to facilitate the mother's request for an early discharge from Worcester."