The ‘temporary’ closure of Cossham Birth Center is to continue for 18 months

A Bristol birth center which “temporarily” suspended services more than 18 months ago remains closed today due to a “maternity workforce” shortage. Cossham Birth Centre, in Lodge Road, closed in October 2022 due to staff shortages, with women in labor being diverted to the Mendip Birth Center at Southmead Hospital.

At the time, North Bristol NHS Trust’s director of care, Steve Hams, said it would resume “the full service as soon as possible”. However, more than a year and a half later, it remains closed.

This week, Mr Hams told Bristol Live that the Trust is currently unable to reopen the birth centre. He said: “Providing safe care for all women, laborers and babies through our services is our priority.

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“Although we have made progress in recruitment, maternity workforce challenges remain in the NHS and unfortunately we are not yet in a position to reopen Cossham Birth Center for births. The work is still ongoing and we will continue to update as soon as possible.

“We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause and want to reassure families that our home birth service continues to be available on a case-by-case basis and the Mendip Birth Center at Southmead Hospital remains an option as a managed alternative by midwife. frame for women and people giving birth.

“Community programmes, breastfeeding support and other antenatal and postnatal services continue to be available from Cossham. We recognize the valuable contribution that Cossham Hospital makes to the provision of services for the local population and we continue to review how we can further develop services on the site for the local community.”

The pregnant woman spoke before the closing about the difficulties the ambiguity created in planning the birth of their newborn. The midwives said staff were “so delicate that I can’t give any guarantees” about being able to stay open.

In 2018, Cossham Birth Center was closed for several months also due to staff shortages. Staff who worked at the Cossham unit have been transferred to Southmead Hospital during the closure.

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