Birthing services at North Devon District Hospital remain suspended
The trust says it will only announce a reopening date once all safety criteria are met
Birthing services at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple remain suspended, the hospital trust has confirmed.
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said the decision follows its latest maternity readiness assessment.
The trust said it will give its next scheduled update on Monday 23rd November.
According to the trust's news list, births at the hospital were suspended from 11th August.
What women are being told
The trust said all current support arrangements remain in place while the suspension continues.
Women and birthing people should continue to follow their personalised birth plans, which are based on giving birth at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or their next nearest hospital.
The trust is asking women to contact maternity triage early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.
The maternity triage line is 01392 406616 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The trust said: "Our advice to all women is call us early, come in early."
When will services reopen?
The trust has not given a reopening date.
It said it will only announce a date once all safety criteria have been met and a formal decision has been made.
The trust said staffing, induction, rotas and operational arrangements must all be fully assured before reopening.
It said that once it meets its readiness assessment criteria, it will be able to reopen birthing services two weeks later.
The trust said: "We remain committed to reopening birthing services at NDDH as soon as possible."
It said it is continuing its efforts to recruit both temporary and permanent staff.
The trust has also formally requested support from the wider NHS and is looking internationally to strengthen its approach to permanent recruitment.
The trust said it knows the continued suspension is causing worry and uncertainty for women, birthing people and families across North Devon.
It said patient safety remains its overriding priority.
Support available
The trust said extra clinical, financial and travel support is in place for women and birthing people in North Devon.
This includes additional clinical appointments, to help people make their birthing plans and easily access clinical advice and guidance.
It also includes financial support covering travel and accommodation expenses.
Free taxis are available 24 hours a day to help people get to their next nearest hospital.
Full details are in an information pack for women, birthing partners and families in Northern Devon, which is available on the trust's website.