The Health Secretary has been called on to investigate whether a public consultation into downgrading a Midland maternity unit was flawed.

Liberal Democrat MP Lorely Burt has claimed the move in Solihull was a fait accompli’ with Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust forging ahead with plans before a consultation took place.

She has now taken her complaints to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, who could investigate the consultation carried out by Solihull Care Trust and Birmingham East and North Primary Care Trust (PCT).

“The downgrading of maternity services at Solihull Hospital has been a matter of great public concern and controversy,” said Mrs Burt.

“The whole approach has for me been hugely disappointing, with the announcement that the unit was to be downgraded coming before any consultation with residents.

“Many residents and others considered the whole matter to be a fait accompli.