Changes to maternity services due to staffing shortages
Maternity services are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of staffing shortages. This means that in some areas home birth services have been withdrawn, some midwifery led units have been temporarily withdrawn and even one of two obstetric units have also been closed. Maternity providers should be following this guidance from the Royal Colleges and only withdrawing services where this is unavoidable. You can check with your local maternity provider that they have done everything they can to avoid suspending services and that they are reviewing these decisions regularly. You can also ask for an exception to be made if you have a good reason for asking for one.
It is really important that women and birthing people speak out about how changes to services are affecting them. Please find below some template letters you may wish to use to do this.
Template letter to your MP about changes to maternity services due to staffing shortages
You can find template letters about visitor restrictions in maternity services due to COVID here