Our maternity unit in North Devon closed in August because it couldn't properly be staffed. Since then, women have travelled up to two hours in labour to give birth. NHS leaders now say up to 20 rural and coastal units could follow. We want the Government to fund them, not close them.
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We ask the Government, including in its December action plan, to:
1. Not set standards remote maternity units can't meet without extra funding.
2. Give remote units extra ringfenced funding.
3. Fund local training posts so staff train and stay.
4.Assess and publish safe travel times to consultant led units.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives say fix staffing, not close units. We agree. Every woman deserves safe care close to home.