Home births suspended across Swansea Bay because of 'severe pressure' caused by Covid 19 and staff sickness
The health board says the decision will be reviewed in a fortnight
Changes are being made in maternity services in Swansea Bay to alleviate pressure because of the number of staff who are sick.
Swansea Bay University Health Board issued an announcement on Facebook on Friday afternoon to let people know their home birth service has been suspended with immediate effect.
It's because of the number of staff who either have Covid-19..having to self-isolate or are unavailable due to other sickness issues.
The decision will be reviewed in two weeks.
Families who have planned a home birth are being urged to make contact with their community midwife to discuss the options.
There are birth centres at Neath Port Talbot and Singleton hospitals..which are midwifery led with individual rooms.
Their statement is in full below.
"Our maternity services are under severe pressure because of the number of staff who either have Covid-19, are having to self-isolate or are unavailable due to sickness in addition to Covid related issues.
"In response we have to change how we provide services with immediate effect – including making the very difficult decision to suspend the home birth service.
"This is to maintain and ensure safe maternity care for all our families, in line with professional guidance from the Royal College of Midwives and Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
"We will be reviewing the situation in two weeks and will update you as soon as we have any changes. We would urge those families who have planned a home birth to make contact with their community midwife to discuss the options available.
"We appreciate this may cause disappointment, but please be assured the decision to suspend this service has not been taken lightly.
"We would ask you make contact with us as soon as you have any signs of labour, which will help us plan your care.
"The maternity section of the Swansea Bay website includes full information, including details of our birth centres at Neath Port Talbot and Singleton hospitals.
"These are midwifery-led, with individual rooms and a real home-from-home environment.
"Essential support partners are welcome to attend all settings when you have an initial assessment in labour.
"Where you are not in labour and it is safe to do so you will be advised to return home and wait for you labour to progress. This will minimise the amount of time you are separated from your essential support.
"We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and thank our community for the ongoing support at this challenging time."