Services at a South Cumbrian maternity unit have been suspended this weekend.
The Helme Chase Maternity Unit at Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal will be closed so essential maintenance work can be carried out at the nearby theatres department.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said community midwife appointments and the home birth service would be unaffected.
The suspension will take place from 5pm tomorrow, October 6 until 5pm on Sunday October 9.
Tamsin Cripps, head of midwifery, said: “We have made the decision to temporarily suspend birth services at Helme Chase in order to keep babies, families and our colleagues safe during some essential maintenance work that will be taking place over the weekend in theatres.
“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 understanding during this period whilst this essential work is carried out.
“Mums-to-be who had planned to give birth at Helme Chase are advised to contact their community midwife who will support them with any worries they may have and talk through the alternative birthing options available.”
