BOSSES at the Royal Bolton Hospital will discover today whether its maternity unit could become a super-centre.

Representatives from Greater Manchester's health organisations were meeting to decide a short list of potential sites which will be put forward for public discussion.

Consultant paediatrician and associate medical director for women and children at the Royal Bolton Hospital, Dr Peter Powell, believes the hospital stands a good chance of becoming one of only a handful of maternity super-units.

He said: "We are the second busiest maternity ward in Greater Manchester and over 4,200 babies were born here last year. I'm hopeful we will be chosen as one of the preferred options."

Under the plans, the number of maternity wards in Greater Manchester, East C0heshire, High Peak in Derbyshire and South Lancashire will be halved.

But at the same time the number of neo-natal units - for sick newborn babies - could double as there are just two in the region - at St Mary's in Manchester and Hope Hospital in Salford.

Eventually there will be between six and eight maternity centres and up to five neo-natal units.

Dr Powell said: "We're an experienced unit. With the sheer number of maternity units across Greater Manchester staffing levels are spread quite thinly.

"If we became one of the specialist units we would be able to offer better quality care and more facilities as well as better training for future generations of doctors and nurses."

The meeting is being held at the Britannia Sascha Hotel, Tib Street, Manchester.

A series of public consultation sessions will be held once the selections have been made.

Dr Powell said: "I'm sure the people of Bolton will be vociferous in arguing the case for the Royal Bolton to become a centre."