🚨 Important Update for Expecting Families in Gloucestershire! 🚨
Heads up to all mums-to-be! Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has put home births on hold for two weeks due to safety concerns raised by staff. This could be extended as they develop a new staffing model. 🤰🍼
Currently, home births make up just 2% of deliveries in the area—around four to six each month. But when complications pop up, both mum and baby might be at risk without immediate medical back-up. To ensure the best care, a balance between choice and safety is being worked out. 🏥
The Trust is finding it tricky to cover night-time home births without overworking midwives who’ve already had a full day’s shift. They’ve hired more midwives for the main service but say home birth teams need highly skilled staff for the autonomy required.
Community midwives will still offer antenatal care, and midwife-led care will be available at Stroud Maternity Hospital and Gloucester Birth Unit. Women who planned home births during this period have been personally contacted to discuss alternative options. 💬
This news might be disappointing for some, but remember, your safety is the top priority. Midwives and maternity staff are dedicated to providing excellent care at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Stroud Maternity Hospital.
Stay informed and take care! 🌟 #MaternityCare #GloucestershireNHS #HomeBirthsUpdate