Government warns 'unacceptable' closure is causing 'unnecessary distress' for parents-to-be
The Department for Health has given its view on the ongoing maternity unit closure at North Devon Hospital
Last updated 7 hours ago
The Department for Health says it's 'unacceptable' that parents to be are still suffering 'unnecessary distress' whilst North Devon's maternity unit remains shut.
We've contacted them after the chair of Devon's health scrutiny committee criticised the health secretary over a lack of seeming interest, following two attempts to contact her without response ahead of this week's meeting.
At the moment parents-to-be are having to travel to Exeter or Taunton to give birth - including those from the Bude area.
Yesterday, at an adult health scrutiny committee meeting it was revealed the penned reopening of the unit at the end of September was pushed back after temporary or locum staff left.
What has the NHS said?
Vanessa Purday, Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We welcome the Committee’s scrutiny and questions today, and would like to thank all the members of the public who came to share their views and experiences.
"We fully recognise the fear and anxiety the temporary suspension continues to create for families in our community. Our number one priority is to reopen these services as soon as possible and we are conducting a reopening ‘readiness assessment’ every two weeks.
"Today, we provided information about our reopening plans and the full range of additional clinical, travel and financial support in place to support women and families to access maternity care - including free taxi support. We also provided information about the impact of the temporary suspension and a review into our decision-making processes.
"It was heartening to hear the commitment from our partners and the community to work collaboratively to secure the future of birthing services at North Devon District Hospital. A collective effort is needed to address healthcare challenges across Devon, with the voices of our community at its centre, and we will work to progress this at pace."
What has the Department for Health said?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The situation in North Devon in recent weeks has been unacceptable, and our thoughts are with all those women and their families that have suffered unnecessary distress and concern at a crucial time because of the temporary closure of services at North Devon District Hospital.
"As the Prime Minister told the House of Commons earlier this month, we expect this situation to be resolved as soon as possible, and the Health Secretary has been in regular contact with the Chief Executive of NHS England towards that end. In the meantime, the local Trust is required to have clear plans in place to ensure mothers and babies are supported and kept safe during this temporary closure."
What has the commitee chair said?
Cllr Jess Bailey said: "The reason we have reached out to the Secretary of State is precisely because the NHS Trust has been unable to resolve the situation locally.
"The unacceptably long journeys for women to give birth mean that the Trust cannot ensure that mothers and babies are kept safe.
"The maternity unit is now in its seventh week of suspension with no clear end in sight, and we are heading into winter.
"This is a crisis situation and we urgently need help to bring it to an end."