Released on: 10 July 2014

In response to BBC research that half of hospital trusts in England have had to close their maternity units to women in labour when they were too busy during the last year, Elizabeth Duff, Senior Policy Adviser, NCT, says:

“This failure of maternity services can mean women get passed from pillar to post when having a baby. This is hugely disruptive to labour, which progresses best in a familiar chosen setting with known and trusted supporters.
 
“Over-stretched units and staff shortages mean  more women and families are experiencing less than high quality care, in spite of midwives’ best efforts. It’s important that women have reliable access to a midwife they know and trust to help ensure positive outcomes: continuity of care is essential, and is a more cost-effective model of practice.”

 

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