THE decision by John Rostill to close Wyre Forest Birth Centre has been endorsed by the independent inquiry.

Mr Rostill took up the post of chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust on September 1, 2003 and closed the unit for deliveries less than three weeks later - on September 19.

He had received advice from the clinical director for obstetrics and gynaecology and the heads of midwifery after two newly born babies died at the birth centre in August, 2003 and a further "serious risk incident" happened in early September.

An internal investigation by the trust revealed four other babies had died since the birth centre opened in September, 2000.

The independent inquiry into these events and the maternity service in Wyre Forest was launched last January.

Mr Rostill said the report made it "absolutely clear that the decision to close the unit was correct." He added: "Further evidence that came to light during the inquiry also concluded it was the correct action".

He went on: "It's a report that describes a far from satisfactory situation and I have to say I'm pleased that the decision to close the unit has been supported.

"There is a catalogue of issues that need to be corrected."

He added: "I will emphasise that the decision to close the birth centre was made by me on advice by clinical director for obstetrics and gynaecology and head of midwifery, and done on safety grounds - nothing to do with finance.

"I was not interested in financial aspects and it probably cost more to close it."