Birth services at Helme Chase Maternity Unit, Westmorland General Hospital, have 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 the midwifery-led birthing service at Helme Chase in March as Midwives were deployed to other areas, including helping to support more complex births in hospital and supporting women and families in the community.
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 where they would like to, and we really appreciate their patience and support whilst we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If a woman would like to give birth at Helme Chase Maternity Unit, they should contact their midwife who can discuss this with them along with any additional measures that may be needed to keep our families and midwives as safe as possible.
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.”
