West Wiltshire PCT is inviting staff, trade unions, service users and special interest groups to participate in a broad assessment of its maternity services.

The report, which will take in concerns from users in the border areas of Gloucestershire and Somerset, is likely to be published in several months.

At the same time, a survey of maternity services provided by Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT has been set up, but will not report until September.

Two reviews

This follows a public consultation on the PCT's suggestion earlier this year that it may have to close maternity units in Devizes and Malmesbury because of a budget deficit.

Protesters took to the streets and the PCT was forced to review its plans.

The two reviews are expected to work in tandem, but are separate.

A spokesperson for the West Wiltshire PCT told BBC News Online: "The Kennet review started something. Maternity services in the county need looking at in more detail."

Maternity services are provided by West Wiltshire PCT to the people served by the PCTs of Bath & North East Somerset, Mendip, Kennet and North Wiltshire and Cotswold and Vale.