The unit will close after 22 midwives became pregnant themselves

The Conservative MP for North Shropshire Owen Paterson has tabled a series of questions to the Health Secretary John Reid about the shortage of midwives which has led to the shutdown.

The unit is due to close next month.

Mr Paterson will ask the Health Secretary to consider all possible options for alternative local care for pregnant women in the area.

The closure comes because 22 of the unit's midwives have fallen pregnant.

The high number of pregnancies at the ward in Oswestry means expectant mums needing hospital care will have to travel to either Wrexham, Powys or Shrewsbury.

An emergency meeting has already been held in the Shropshire town where local residents and campaigners voiced concerns that the unit, at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, may not re-open because it is in need of modernisation.

Hospital bosses say they have tried to arrange cover for the maternity leave but failed because of a national shortage of trained nursing staff.

A full community midwife service will still operate along with other day and ante-natal services.