Hospital 'pauses' home birth service after review

A hospital has taken the "difficult" decision to "pause" its home birth services after a review.

Kettering General Hospital said the review "highlighted some challenges for the service".

Julie Hogg, University Hospitals of Northamptonshire's chief nurse, said: "This has been a difficult decision, and we apologise for any disappointment it may cause.

"However, our priority is the safety of the women, families and babies using our services, and supporting our colleagues to provide this care."

The hospital said that women and families using its maternity services would "continue to be offered a personalised plan of care", adding it hoped to resume home births from "late spring".

It said that community midwives would contact anyone due to have a home birth.

Expectant families are asked to contact their midwife if they have questions or concerns, or to discuss their options for childbirth.

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