Midwives express concern over potential baby unit closures

Midwives, represented by the Royal College of Midwives, have raised alarm over potential shutdowns of neonatal units in Norfolk after the health secretary began discussions with the chief executive of NHS England about recent developments in the county. The RCM warned that closing units that serve rural and isolated communities could force women in labour to travel unacceptable distances. The BBC also understands the health secretary is talking to the NHS England chief executive regarding what has been happening in Norfolk. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said any changes must be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for women and babies.

The Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group said that if maternity services were removed, the associated neonatal units and children's inpatient wards would also have to close because the services are inter‑dependent. Options being considered range from keeping services as they are to shutting consultant‑led maternity units at James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, or both. The proposals could affect women in Lowestoft and north Suffolk who give birth in Gorleston, as well as those in Wisbech and north‑east Cambridgeshire who travel to King's Lynn.

The RCM argued the plan risks worsening existing inequalities in maternity outcomes and said the answer is investment and more staffing rather than allowing services to shrink. It also warned that closures could result in midwives being redeployed further from home. A Facebook post said: "Women and babies deserve safe, local care, and closing units is not the answer."