Standalone midwife-led unit idea rejected

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale will not proceed with the development of a Business Case for a standalone midwife-led unit in the Rochdale borough.

The decision was made by the Locality Board of NHS HMR based on a feasibility study into the facility, where local GPs, Consultant Obstetricians and midwives, as well as families and carers were asked questions.

Fifty families and carers from Rochdale were asked face to face questions on their opinions of their birth experiences, their choice of birth facility, and whether pregnant women would choose to use a standalone facility.

The results showed that: 

• Safety was a big concern and they would prefer the reassurance of having a doctor on standby at the birth which would be available in a co-located, midwife-led unit.
• Families were anxious about giving birth in a midwife-led stand alone unit, especially if there were any last minute complications. 

Other evidence showed that: 

• Women who have no complications during pregnancy can also choose to have a home birth, if they are assessed to be clinically safe to do so.
• Pregnant women in the Rochdale borough can now choose from new or improved and expanded maternity units at The Royal Oldham Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital.
• Although pregnant women can no longer give birth at Rochdale Infirmary, the majority of antenatal and postnatal care will still be provided at the Infirmary and in the community and although there will be no provision of a standalone Maternity-Led unit, local services will still meet national recommendations on choice for pregnant women. 

The Locality Board of NHS HMR concluded that given the evidence presented, the preferences of local people and the views of clinicians on clinical safety, it was agreed not to proceed with the Business Case.

David Edwards, NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Locality Board Chairman said: "NHS HMR Locality Board wants mothers in the borough to have their babies in the safest, most sustainable environments and to make an informed choice based on good quality information.

"The Board requested work to be undertaken to encourage more home births across the borough, where appropriate”.

Dr Hazel Platts, local GP, Joint Clinical lead of Rochdale West GP Commissioning Group and Chair of the Clinical Commissioning Committee said: “GPs in the borough recognise the importance of making informed decisions on the provision of services in Rochdale borough which are of high quality and are safe for our residents.

"The decision not to continue with the Business Case is appropriate, based on the evidence”.

The recommendations of the Locality Board will be presented to the Board of NHS Greater Manchester in September for final approval.