Up to 20 maternity units in England may have to shut, NHS leader warns
Summary
Up to 20 maternity units in England may have to close or change because there are not enough doctors and more women are having caesarean sections. An NHS leader said that concentrating childbirth services in fewer hospitals is necessary for safety, but this will mean some mothers have to travel farther to give birth.Key Facts
- Up to 20 out of 155 maternity units in England could close or change to keep care safe.
- A shortage of specialist doctors called obstetricians is affecting these units.
- More women are having planned or emergency caesarean sections, which need more staff and operating rooms.
- Smaller units, especially in rural and coastal areas, find it hard to stay open due to staff shortages.
- Some experts warn that closing units will make mothers travel longer distances for childbirth.
- The NHS Alliance’s director says changes are needed to improve safety and sustainability.
- A government group will release a report soon on improving maternity care in England.
- Some medical groups want other solutions to staffing problems instead of closing units.
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