Eastbourne midwifery unit to re-open

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has announced the unit will reopen on Monday (February 8).

Support for home births will also be restarted across the county with immediate effect.

The decision to close the midwifery unit at the hospital came at the start of January due to a rise in local Covid-19 cases which put the ambulance service under significant pressure.

It was believed the potential diversions caused by Covid-19 could create a high risk situation for pregnant mothers and their babies.

During the period when the midwifery unit was closed, mothers were redirected to the maternity services at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

The trust’s associate director of midwifery Emma Chambers said, “These changes are because the pressure on the South East Coast Ambulance Service has improved and they are again able to offer support with emergency transfer to hospital, if needed.

“If you had a home birth scheduled with us, or would like to have a home birth, please speak to your midwife about the options available to you.

“Eastbourne Midwifery Unit is reopening for births from 8am on Monday February 8 2021 and this short delay is to allow for the reallocation of staff who have been working in different areas while EMU has been closed for births.

“Antenatal and postnatal appointments continue to run from EMU during the day.

“If you had a birth planned at EMU and your baby is due now, you could plan for a home birth instead just in case you go into labour before February 8. Please discuss the options available to you with your community midwife.”