Maternity Services Suspended at North Devon Hospital Amid Staffing Crisis

North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple has halted all births and face-to-face triage because the trust deemed medical staffing “unsafe.” The suspension took effect after the previous Sunday, when the unit stopped accepting women in spontaneous labour. Pregnant residents must now travel to Exeter or Taunton, journeys that typically exceed 90 minutes, especially during holiday traffic.

Staffing Crisis Forces Suspension of Devon Maternity Services

The trust reported that consultant maternity rotas were up to 50 % short and registrar (tier 2) rotas 40 % short, citing staff departures, maternity leave, sickness and a scarcity of locum doctors on short notice.

The Guardian

The closure forces expectant mothers to consider extreme options. She added that “moving out may be the only thing we can do to keep us safe.” Local residents report that many families are booking temporary accommodation near Exeter, while those without cars or financial flexibility face heightened risk of delayed care.

The Guardian

Carolyn Mills, chief nursing officer of Royal Devon University Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, described the suspension as an “exceptionally difficult” decision forced by staffing realities. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) called for urgent investment in the maternity workforce to ensure safe staffing levels and compassionate care. Community activist Louise Pamment has launched an Instagram campaign to attract medical staff to the region.

The Guardian

The trust continues to recruit additional staff and has pledged to restart birthing services when safety can be assured. A petition signed by nearly 15 000 people urges faster action. Meanwhile, expectant families are weighing travel logistics, temporary housing and the possibility of planned caesarean sections as they await a resolution.

The Guardian

• “The next closest maternity unit is a full two hours away and we have a family history of labour taking under two hours from start to finish,” — Harriet Knight

The Guardian

• “It feels there is no safe option at the moment,” — Harriet Knight

The Guardian

• “Moving out may be the only thing we can do to keep us safe,” — Harriet Knight

The Guardian

• “Maternity services are currently under huge pressure, and we are aware of staffing gaps on almost every obstetric rota in the country. The RCOG is calling for urgent investment in the maternity workforce – to ensure safe staffing levels, so that we can provide the compassionate care that women and families deserve.” — Royal College, of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)

The Guardian