Health authorities have been urged to reopen Dungannon's maternity unit following a second birth drama in as many days. A woman gave birth in the town's South Tyrone Hospital with the assistance of a casualty doctor after she was unable to reach Craigavon in time. The emergency followed the ordeal of another mother, whose baby was born in a factory toilet after an ambulance took an hour to reach her.
The South Tyrone Hospital's maternity unit closed earlier this year, despite protests from campaigners, who warned that the distance to Craigavon would leave expectant mothers dangerously isolated.
A local councillor, Mr Anthony McGonnell, said the Dungannon unit should be reopened urgently. Another councillor, Mr Vincent Currie, said officials from the Southern Health Board should meet the council to justify their decision.
"We were told it would lead to the provision of a better service," he said. "How can this be described as a better service when we have women giving birth in factories and without proper care and facilities?"