North Devon Hospital Staff Trained for Birth Emergencies After Maternity Unit Closure

Doctors at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in Barnstaple have undergone urgent training in handling birth emergencies following the indefinite suspension of its maternity services. The closure, attributed to staff shortages, has left pregnant women in the region facing long journeys to the nearest hospital in Exeter, sparking fears about safety and access to care. ## Emergency Training Amid Service Suspension With the maternity unit now closed, emergency staff at NDDH have been given a "crash course" in managing obstetric emergencies, such as shoulder dystocia and postpartum haemorrhage. A doctor at the hospital, who requested anonymity, expressed concern about the situation, stating that while staff are capable, the lack of on-site obstetric expertise poses serious risks. The doctor also warned that the emergency department, already stretched during the summer tourist season, may struggle with additional pressure from birth-related emergencies. ## Patient Concerns and Potential Risks Pregnant women in the area have voiced alarm over the closure. Jemima Knight, who is 18 weeks pregnant and lives two hours from Exeter, described the prospect of giving birth in a car during heavy traffic as "horrific, dangerous, and traumatising." She noted that her previous births were rapid, raising fears that she or others might deliver without medical assistance. Knight is considering relocating to Bristol for her delivery, highlighting the impracticality of the proposed travel arrangements. Her sister, Harriet Knight, who is 34 weeks pregnant, also faces uncertainty. Jemima argued that safe and respectful birth is a fundamental right, one that has been denied to many women in Devon due to the closure. ## Hospital Trust Responds to Criticism Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees the hospital, has defended the decision, stating that patient safety was the primary concern. The trust acknowledged the challenges faced by women and staff but insisted that the suspension was temporary. They also denied claims that the hospital was being downgraded, emphasizing ongoing investments in core services. A spokesperson for the trust said, "We have worked closely with emergency department colleagues, maternity services, and the ambulance trust to establish clinical pathways for managing emergency cases." They added that support measures, including transport and financial assistance, have been put in place for vulnerable patients. ## Political and Community Backlash The closure has drawn criticism from local leaders, including Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil, who called the decision "extremely concerning" and unacceptable for a region already facing healthcare disparities. A special council meeting will address the issue later this month. As the debate continues, the trust remains focused on recruiting additional staff to reopen the maternity unit as soon as possible. However, the long-term impact on patient care and hospital services remains a point of contention.