Birthing services at North Devon District Hospital remain suspended
The next readiness assessment is due on 26th October
Birthing services at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple remain suspended after the latest maternity readiness assessment, the hospital trust has said.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust carried out the assessment on Monday 12th October.
The Trust said women and birthing people should continue to follow their personalised birth plans, based on giving birth at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) or their next nearest hospital.
They should contact maternity triage on 01392 406616 early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.
Reopening plans
The Trust said the next readiness assessment will take place on Monday 26th October, when it will provide its next update.
It said it will only announce a reopening date once all safety criteria have been met and a formal decision has been made.
Once the readiness assessment criteria are met, the Trust said it will be able to reopen birthing services two weeks later.
It said: 'Patient safety remains the overriding priority; staffing, induction, rotas and operational arrangements must all be fully assured before reopening.'
The Trust said it is continuing to recruit both temporary and substantive staff.
It said it has formally requested support from the wider NHS and is looking internationally to strengthen its approach to substantive recruitment.
The Trust said: 'We remain committed to reopening birthing services at NDDH as soon as possible.'
It also said it knows the continued suspension is causing worry and uncertainty for women, birthing people and families across North Devon.
Support for women and families
The Trust said additional clinical, financial and travel support is in place for North Devon women and birthing people during their pregnancy.
An information pack for women, birthing people and families in Northern Devon includes details of:
Additional clinical appointments to help people make their birthing plans and access clinical advice and guidance.
Additional financial support covering travel and accommodation expenses.
Free taxis to help people get to their next nearest hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Trust's advice to all women is: 'Call us early, come in early.'