We know the temporary suspension of birth services at North Devon District Hospital is causing concern for women, birthing people, families and the wider community. While births are temporarily taking place in Exeter, community maternity services continue in North Devon, and arrangements are in place to support families and ensure they receive safe care.

We are continuing to work urgently to restore birthing services at NDDH. We are making solid progress and recruiting the medical staff needed to safely reopen the services. We are cautiously optimistic that we may be in a position to do this by the end of September, subject to final recruitment and safety assurances

Key updates at a glance:

• We are making progress in recruiting the doctors needed to reopen birth services safely.
  

• Between 11 and 20 August, 34 women from North Devon gave birth at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
  

• A number of stories are being shared on social media about births. For reasons of patient confidentiality, we cannot respond directly, however, to date there have been no births before arrival at hospital.
  

• Travel, accommodation and financial support are available and being used. Referrals to multi-agency support services have increased meaning people are accessing this additional finance and accommodation support. People do not need to be receiving benefits to be considered for this support.
  

• A new Newborn Outpatient Clinic has opened in North Devon to provide services including jaundice checks and infant feeding support.
  

• Anyone who thinks they may be in labour, feels unwell or has concerns about their pregnancy should call our 24-hour maternity triage line straight away on 01392 406 616.

Please read the latest update here.

Our dedicated web pages regarding the temporary suspension are regularly updated so please check them for the latest information.