Hopes of North Devon Hospital reopening dashed as trust claim government letter is incorrect

A DAY that began with understandable delight and anticipation for pregnant women in North Devon, Torridge and parts of North Cornwall has turned to a farce and confusion on when the maternity unit at North Devon Hospital will actually open.

It comes as the Royal Devon University NHS Foundation Trust clarified that there are no plans for the Ladywell maternity unit to reopen next week, despite a government minister telling MP’s that it would.

In an non embargoed letter sent to MPs in constituencies where the maternity unit in Barnstaple is the nearest hospital with birth facilities, Baroness Merron stated: ““After what has been a long, frustrating and frankly unacceptable delay in filling the staffing gaps that caused the temporary closure of the unit, I am glad to say that two new consultants have now been recruited to work at the hospital on a locum basis.

“After a week of proper induction and training for the new staff, the intention is that a formal decision will be taken in the week commencing October 19 by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to reopen the maternity unit.

“As you will know, the trust has been meeting every fortnight in recent weeks to carry out readiness assessments. The addition of the new locums will allow the trust to decide that all criteria relating to safety and staffing have been met and that a formal decision can be made to resume maternity services.

It continued: “The trust has also confirmed to NHS England that work will continue to recruit new, permanent members of staff to address the staffing shortages that have affected the hospital and seek to prevent any repeat of the recent suspension of services.

“While this all represents welcome progress, there are two important things to say.

“First, it is unacceptable that women and their families in the North Devon area have been put through such unnecessary distress and concern at a crucial time, and forced to plan frightening long distance car journeys to the next available maternity unit.

“Secondly, while we understand why the trust originally decided it could not guarantee patient safety while operating at reduced staff levels. It is again unacceptable that it took so long to find suitably qualified staff to fill those gaps.

“Based on the conversations we have had since this issue first arose, we recognise that there was no shortage of effort in those attempts at recruitment, including trying to source temporary staff from overseas.

“For that reason, we have also instigated further work with NHS England on maternity workforce issues in remote and rural areas.

“However, in the short term I hope you will join me in welcoming what looks to be the resolution of the situation in North Devon and the imminent restoration of normal maternity services for expectant mothers in the region.

“There is much more to do and it remains a major priority for this government to make sure all women and babies receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

It led to hopes that a reversal to the temporary closure, which has been in place due to staffing shortages since mid August, would come to an end sooner than expected.

However, since that letter was circulated, the hospital’s management have said that the information from the government minister was not correct.

A spokesperson for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are really sorry to have been made aware of the reports circulating about a reopening date and want to ensure no misinformation is reaching our local women and birthing people.

“We want to reassure women and families that we remain committed to reopening birthing services at North Devon Hospital.

“However, reports circulating today that a decision will be taken next week to reopen the unit are not correct.

“Birthing services remain temporarily suspended and no reopening date has been agreed.

“Reopening will only take place once the agreed safety criteria have been met and a formal decision has been made.

“Our next readiness assessment will take place on Monday, October 26.”

The confusion has led Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP to write a fresh letter to the government, demanding answers to the new questions which have been raised.

Sir Geoffrey also raised further concerns about the potential reliance on temporary, locum staff to fill the staffing gaps when the unit eventually reopens.

He said: “In your letter to MPs you indicated that maternity services were expected to be restored imminently, with the intention to hold a review next week to consider reopening the maternity unit at NDDH.

“While this would be welcome news, I am deeply concerned that the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has since clarified that this is not the case. This has understandably caused significant concern and speculation which is regrettable given the sensitive nature of this matter and the importance of clear and consistent communication with those affected.

“The underlying issue of insufficient permanent staffing remains a significant concern. In particular, the reliance on locum consultants raises questions about the long term sustainability and resilience of staffing rotas. It is essential that robust measures are in place to ensure maternity can be delivered safely and reliably on a sustained basis.

“I would therefore be grateful if you could clarify your current understanding of the situation regarding the restoration of the maternity services at NDDH, including what discussions you and the department have had with the trust and what specific steps are being taken to support the recruitment and retention of necessary permanent staff.”

After sharing the contents of the fresh letter to the government, Sir Geoffrey added: “I am aware that the letter we published below from the minister, which was not in any way restricted or embargoed, in answer to my continuing representations, appears to have caused confusion and is odds with the understanding of the Trust. I am seeking urgent clarification both from the minister and the trust.”