Homebirths suspended in West Sussex over Covid-19 safety fears
Maternity wards in the county will remain open
Planned homebirths across Sussex have been suspended due to the 'unprecedented pressures' coronavirus is placing on health services here.
In a statement, the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the decision was taken due to the higher degree of risk to mothers and babies should complications arise.
It comes as local ambulance teams prioritise the most urgent 999 calls, which include emergency pregnancy issues, with a delay in response times expected due to the sheer level of demand.
Maternity wards at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester and Worthing Hospital will remain open for the time being and those who were due to have a homebirth are being told to visit those instead.
A spokesperson for the Western Sussex Hospitals Trust said:
"We understand this is disappointing, but we will do all we can to make your birth experience positive and as close as possible to the home from home environment.
"Our home birthing and midwife-led unit midwives will be available to continue to provide care within the hospital.
We are contacting those who are expecting a home birth in the coming weeks to discuss how we can support them.
"Please get in touch with your named midwife if you would like to discuss what this means for you or send an enquiry via Family Assist.
Alternatively you can contact the Western Sussex, Patient Liaison Service (PALS) with any questions. We will continue to keep you updated via Family Assist if and when this position changes."