The home birth service across Morecambe Bay has been reinstated following a temporary suspension due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) made the decision to temporarily step down its home birthing service across Barrow, Lancaster and Kendal in March 2020 to ensure the safety of its patients and staff.
Carol Carlile, Head of Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UHMBT, said: “We understand how important it is for women to have the choice to give birth at home and we appreciate their patience and support whilst we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If a woman would like a home birth, they should contact their midwife who can discuss this with them along with any additional measures that may be needed to keep families and midwives as safe as possible.”
Helme Chase, the Trust’s Midwifery-led unit at Westmorland General Hospital will remain temporarily closed for births as Midwives are deployed to other areas of the service, including helping to support more complex births in our hospitals and supporting women and families in the community.
This will be continually reviewed in line with national guidance and the restrictions will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so. Clinics and breast feeding support at Helme Chase is as normal.
Carol concluded: “We will continue to keep our website and maternity app updated with the latest information and urge any mums-to-be to contact their community midwife with any concerns or questions.”