North Devon district hospital in Barnstaple ceased accepting women in spontaneous labour, with births suspended starting mid-week due to insufficient medical staffing. The decision means expectant mothers in the rural region must now travel to maternity units in Exeter or Taunton, distances of at least 90 minutes to two hours away, with journey times potentially extended during peak holiday periods.
The healthcare trust cited consultant maternity rotas running 50% short and registrar-level doctors 40% short as reasons for the suspension. Staff departures, maternity leave, illness absences, and difficulty securing locum coverage on short notice all contributed to the staffing crisis. Hospital officials stated they would restart birthing services when safe staffing levels could be guaranteed, though no timeline was provided. Other maternity services including community midwifery, ultrasound scans, and antenatal clinics continue operating.
Several pregnant women detailed concerns about the arrangement. Some referenced family histories of rapid labour, raising fears about delivering in vehicles en route. Others with previous obstetric complications, such as shoulder dystocia requiring emergency intervention, expressed particular anxiety about managing medical crises during extended journeys. Multiple expectant parents indicated they were considering temporary relocation near Exeter as their due dates approached to mitigate travel risks.
The chief nursing officer for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust described the decision as exceptionally difficult but necessary to ensure patient safety. The trust confirmed it continues recruitment efforts to restore staffing levels. Nearly 15,000 people signed a petition opposing the closure, while the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists highlighted widespread maternity staffing pressures across the country and called for urgent workforce investment.
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