THE closure of North Devon District Hospital’s maternity unit is to continue into November after the trust which runs the hospital confirmed it still is not in a position to open.

The Ladywell Unit at North Devon District Hospital, which provides services that the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust describes as ‘birthing services’ has been closed since August after a staff shortage meant it was unable to operate.

Despite repeated political interventions and the suggestion from a government minister that the reopening is imminent, the trust has confirmed that the closure will remain for at least two extra weeks.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has said that its latest readiness review has concluded that services remain suspended – with hospital bosses stating that they are continuing in their efforts to recruit both temporary and substantive staff, including internationally.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “Following the Trust's latest maternity readiness assessment undertaken on Monday, October 26, birthing services at North Devon District Hospital remain suspended.

“While the temporary suspension continues all current support arrangements remain in place.

“Women and birthing people should continue to follow their personalised birth plans on the basis of giving birth at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or their next nearest hospital.

“Women should continue to contact maternity triage on 01392 406616 early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.

“We remain committed to reopening birthing services at NDDH as soon as possible. We are continuing in our efforts to recruit both temporary and substantive staff. We've formally requested support from the wider NHS and we're looking internationally to strengthen our approach to substantive recruitment.

“We are continuing to work towards a provisional reopening and will undertake our next readiness assessment on Monday, November 9, when we will provide our next update.”