THE Royal Bolton Hospital is likely to be chosen for a "super maternity unit" after it became a favoured candidate for North-west health bosses wanting to improve baby care services.

Under the plans, maternity units at some of the regions hospitals could be closed, but the number of special care baby units would be doubled - with the Farnworth hospital getting one of them.

The Royal Bolton, which is the North-west's second busiest maternity centre, is proposed as a site for maternity and paediatric care with a special care baby and neonatal unit.

It is included in three out of four options and is the preferred option of health chiefs. The proposals are being put out to public consultation in January with a decision expected later in the year.

Dr Peter Powell, consultant paediatrician and associate medical director for women and children's services at the hospital, is delighted with the recommendations.

"We can strengthen the services we already provide as it would mean a big investment," he said. "It is the preferred option and it's important local people show their support."

But the recommendation that Bolton becomes a maternity super-centre is a blow for baby services at Fairfield Hospital in Bury, which now face closure, and for maternity services at Hope Hospital, Salford.

A spokesman for Fairfield said: "We will be giving a formal response to the consultation. We would also encourage staff to make their responses."

The team responsible for the proposals has consulted doctors, nurses, midwives, volunteers, carers, patients and members of the public.

In the preferred option, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, the Royal Bolton Hospital, the Royal Oldham Hospital, St Mary's in central Manchester, Stepping Hill in Stockport, Wythenshawe Hospital, North Manchester General, and Tameside General Hospital would have maternity units.

Bolton, Oldham and St Mary's would be neonatal intensive care units, with Bolton having nine intensive care cots, five high dependency cots and 15 special care cots.