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Temporary closure of Freestanding Birthing Unit at County Hospital

The Freestanding Birthing Unit (FMBU) at County Hospital and the Midwifery Home Birthing Service will close temporarily from Monday 23 March to help staff at University Hospitals of North Midlands provide safe maternity services to all pregnant women.

This decision has been made as part of a planned strategy to help UHNM cope with extra pressures and demands being faced as a result of COVID-19.

The temporary closure of the FMBU and Midwifery Home Birthing Service allow UHNM to make the best use of maternity staff and provide a safe service at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

All women booked into the FMBU or for a home birth are being contacted and will be offered delivery at the co-located Midwifery Birthing Centre (MBC) at Royal Stoke.

Michelle Rhodes, UHNM Chief Nurse, said: "We have a duty to provide safe care to our patients – including our expectant families and this decision will help us achieve that."​

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