Hospital campaigners are fearful of the effects NHS cutbacks will have in Rossendale, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the bombshell news last Friday that he was approving the controversial recommendations of the Making it Better and Healthy Futures consultations.
And supporters of the campaign to retain full maternity and Accident and Emergency (A&E) services at both Fairfield Hospital in Bury and Rochdale Infirmary said they were shocked and devastated to lose their appeal.
Under the modernisation, Rochdale's maternity facilities will be downgraded and its A&E demoted to an urgent care centre, effectively leaving it as a cottage hospital.
Meanwhile, Fairfield will lose its maternity services and special care baby unit but keep its A&E facilities. It is predicted the changes will take up to five years to implement.
Former midwife Gladys Sandiford, a Rossendale councillor, was disappointed with the verdict and feared the impact on the Valley.
She said: "I just hope this doesn't lead to any avoidable deaths and that this has shown just how desperately important it is that we get at least an urgent care centre and midwife-led birthing unit in Rossendale."
Councillor Alan Neal said the loss of vital hospital services in Rochdale would have a major impact on those in the eastern end of the Valley
He said: "It's one thing if you have transport, but for those reliant on public transport it's going to have a big impact and my sympathy is with them."
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