An assessment of a hospital-based pregnancy testing service

A proposal to withdraw the hospital-based pregnancy testing service provoked a local debate in which a range of strongly held but conflicting opinions were expressed. It was agreed to seek more detailed information before making any final decision. The authors describe their investigations and findings about the use of the service and the views of its consumers. Subsequently, a solution was reached for a novel but more appropriate form of service provision. It is argued that when planning changes in service provision health authorities should obtain information from and consult widely with all consumers.