Understand
Maternity services at North Devon District Hospital remain suspended following readiness assessment
Overview
Birthing services at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) continue to be suspended due to ongoing staffing issues, forcing expectant mothers to travel long distances to alternative hospitals such as Exeter or Plymouth. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust stated that safety is its priority and that recruitment efforts are ongoing, with the next readiness assessment scheduled for 26 October 2026.
Key points
- Maternity services at North Devon District Hospital have been closed since 11 August due to staffing problems.
- The suspension has forced pregnant women in Barnstaple to make long journeys of around 53 miles to Exeter to give birth.
- The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust states it remains committed to reopening services once readiness criteria are met.
- A provisional reopening date of 29 September was missed, and consultants have expressed no confidence in the executive board.
- Local parents and family centres have reported increased anxiety, with some mothers opting for elected Caesarean sections to avoid fast labours on the road.
- The next readiness assessment for the maternity unit is scheduled to take place on 26 October.