PREMATURE baby Charlie Clarke is living proof of the need for full children's services at Banbury's Horton Hospital.

Charlie was born 14 weeks early in the Horton's maternity ward on Christmas Day last year.

He was rushed in to the nearby special care baby unit for life-saving treatment, and his mother, Samantha, who needed urgent attention, was treated by on-duty consultants.

New father Bradley Clarke said his wife and Charlie could have died without the skill and care of doctors and nurses in the two departments.

Mr and Mrs Clarke, who live in Charlton, have pledged their support to the campaign to keep children's services at the Horton as threats to the future of the paediatric departments grow.

Charlie was born just before 4am on Christmas Day last year, weighing two pounds.

Mrs Clarke said: "His heartbeat was weak and he might not have survived if the special care unit had not been there."

The couple, who train racehorses, took Charlie home for the first time last Sunday after 12 weeks in hospital.

Mr Clarke said: "There was not enough time to take Charlie and Sam to Oxford. If the treatment had not been available in Banbury, they might not be here now."

Mrs Clarke said: "At the last public meeting on the Horton, it was said that nothing happened in Banbury at night. I can tell them it does."

Mrs Clarke was referring to a remark by Dr Julia Clarke (no relation) during a discussion on the Horton's paediatric services.

Dr Clarke is the director of a strategic review of health services in Oxfordshire and last year published an "emerging themes" document, which contained threats to services at the Horton.

Plans to close the children's ward as an in-patient unit have already been announced, and campaigners fear the closure of the maternity ward and special care baby unit would soon follow when the new children's hospital opens in Oxford.

George Parish, chairman of the 'Keep the Horton General' action group, said: "When the children's ward closes as a 24/7 department and the Horton loses its paediatrician, it is virtually certain that the maternity unit will shut. I am extremely concerned for the welfare of babies when that happens."