Delivering on our commitment to reopen birthing services at North Devon District Hospital we are able to confirm, subject to meeting essential safety criteria, a proposed reopening date of Tuesday 29 September.

We have made positive progress in recruiting the medical staff needed to support the reopening of the service. Following a review of staffing thresholds and the progress of the recruitment and induction pipeline we are confident that we have the medical staff required.

This provisional date for reopening is dependent on achieving finals check of the staffing rotas, the skill mix needed across the clinical team, and achieving all essential safety criteria.

A final review and formal decision to confirm reopening will take place two weeks beforehand, on Monday 14 September. The aim of this timetable is to ensure we give women and birthing people clear and reliable information about where they can give birth.

Dr Vanessa Purday, Chief Medical Officer said: “We fully recognise the disruption and anxiety caused by the temporary suspension and we are grateful to women and birthing people, their families, colleagues and partners for their patience and support.

“This is an important step forward towards restoring services closer to home and being assured of patient safety and continuity of care. We hope this provides certainty for our colleagues who work in those services, for women, birthing people and their families and the communities that rely on these services.”

The current temporary suspension remains in place. Women and birthing people should continue to follow their current personalised birth plans and continue to contact maternity triage on 01392 406616 early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.

Further updates will be shared as reopening plans develop, and details on the transition of services back to NDDH will be provided as soon as they are available.

A dedicated helpline for pregnant women and birthing people who have questions about the suspension is available – 01271 335773, (9am-5pm, Monday – Friday).

The Trust will continue to keep women, families, staff and local communities informed throughout this period. Regular updates, a patient information pack, support information and frequently asked questions are available on the Royal Devon's North Devon birth services temporary changes webpage.

Following the temporary suspension of birthing services at North Devon District Hospital earlier this month, the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust focus has been on supporting women, birthing people and families impacted by the temporary suspension and delivering on the commitment to reopen birthing services as quickly and as safely as possible.