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NHS bosses say smaller maternity units may have to close
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- NHS leaders in England warn that the current organisation of maternity care is "not fit for purpose," with safety risks and potential closures of smaller units, especially in rural and coastal areas.
- Key challenges highlighted include a shortage of specialist staff, a rise in C-sections, inadequate facilities, and worse maternity outcomes in deprived communities and among Black and Asian women.
- The government taskforce on neonatal and maternity care is urged to address these systemic issues, involving NHS leaders, clinical staff, patients, and communities in planning to improve safety and service delivery.
- A recent example of service disruption includes the suspension of birthing services at North Devon's Barnstaple hospital due to staffing shortages, forcing pregnant women to travel 53 miles to Exeter.
- Campaigners warn that closures of smaller units could reduce continuity of care for women, negatively impacting antenatal and postnatal experiences and overall quality of maternity services.
