Children's ward supporters launch legal bid to save it

The Leeds General Infirmary unit is one of three facing the axe across Britain following a review by the joint committee of primary care trusts (JCPCT).

The others are at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital and London's Royal Brompton.

The Save Our Surgery (SOS) group brought together staff, parents and former patients to fight the Leeds closure.

SOS is now seeking a judicial review of the NHS decision in the High Court. It says the consultation process behind the plan was unfair and legally flawed.

SOS's Sharon Cheng said: "Taking legal action has always been our last resort option, pursued only after all other appeals to review the decision were rejected by the JCPCT.

"At the end of the day, this is about protecting the lives of children and this is why we believe that the challenges to NHS officials should be heard."

Campaigner Lois Brown said: "They've saved my child's life a number of times in emergency situations.

"She's stopped breathing and we've only just got to Leeds in time, so if the change did happen and she was born again it's highly likely she wouldn't be here."

A review of the JCPCT recommendations by an independent review panel will report to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt at the end of March.