Up to 20 maternity units face closure as NHS boss warns rural mothers would have to travel further to give birth
Matthew Hopkins, acute care director at the NHS Alliance, says the way England's 155 consultant-led units are organised is 'not fit for purpose'. Smaller units delivering 1,500 to 2,000 babies a year are struggling with a shortage of obstetricians and soaring caesarean rates. He wants ministers to 'grasp the nettle' and back the closures despite the political backlash. A government taskforce is due to report before Christmas.
Hopkins fears Health Secretary Yvette Cooper's maternity plan will 'shy away' from closures.
The Royal College of Midwives insists women need high-quality services 'close to home'.
NHS leaders say outdated, decaying buildings lack enough theatres and beds, posing a safety risk.
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The TelegraphRural maternity units face closure over patient safety - The TelegraphThe IndependentWhy MPs have been urged to ‘grasp the nettle’ over NHS maternity changesThe IndependentAround 20 maternity units may have to close to keep women and babies safe, NHS boss warnsBBC News - HealthNHS leaders say maternity care organisation is 'not fit for purpose'The GuardianUp to 20 maternity units in England may have to shut, NHS leader warnsAOL.comNearly two dozen maternity units in England could be forced to close as current system 'not fit for purpose' - AOL.comHealthcare Management MagazineNHS Alliance warns small maternity units may have to close - Healthcare Management MagazineUA.NEWSUp to 20 maternity units could close in England — The Guardian - UA.NEWSThe GuardianWhy are some NHS maternity units facing closure?