Campaigners are continuing their fight to save a charity cafe in the Countess of Chester Hospital ’s maternity wing.

The decision to close the Comfort Zone has been branded ‘misguided’.

An online petition to save it has now been signed more than 1,200 times.

The cafe and shop’s founder Pat Daniels MBE has written to national newspapers in order to raise awareness of the issue.

She said: “We have an NHS which is rapidly losing touch with its original aim to give service.

“There is not a mother, baby or child nursed at the Countess of Chester Hospital who has not benefitted from our endeavours since 1991.

“Since we have been given written notice to quit, so many people have telephoned or texted to say how much they have appreciated having such a place of comfort, away from the stressful clinical areas, manned by a wonderful team of caring volunteers.

Comfort Zone volunteers Lynn Atherton and Pat Coy with outfit's business accountant Sandra Magilton and customers.

“Patients, relatives and staff have all expressed dismay and disbelief at such a misguided decision.”

The charity has been told to close the cafe by January 16, 2017.

Countess chief executive Tony Chambers has said the space occupied by the Chester Childbirth coffee shop would be merged with the rest of the hospital and its catering services.

Since opening 16 years ago the Comfort Zone has raised money for the Chester Childbirth appeal.

Staff at the Comfort Zone shop and cafe within the Countess of Chester Hospital with Jemma Mason, Vicky Burgess, manager Karen Boswell, Ellie Henshall, Yuliana Zhirova, Theresa Chard and business accountant Sandra Magilton.

Initiatives such as the Special Baby Care Unit Extension, a Bereavement Suite for grieving parents and a sensory playground for children with disabilities have all been supported from this fundraising.

You can sign the petition asking to save the cafe here .

What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments below.