THE Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has acted quickly to provide alternative solutions for women wanting to give birth in Ludlow.

Less than a week after it was confirmed that the Trust temporarily suspended services at Ludlow Midwife-Led Unit due to concerns about the structural condition of the building, the Trust has arranged for services to be transferred to the Stretton Ward at Ludlow Community Hospital.

Antenatal appointments, booking services and day appointments are being provided at the Stretton Ward with immediate effect, and it is planned that care for women giving birth and postnatal services will be available in the main Ludlow Community Hospital by early November.

“The decision to ‘stop the line’ and temporarily suspend services at Ludlow Maternity Unit was not taken lightly,” said Sarah Jamison, Head of Midwifery at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

“It was absolutely the correct decision for the safety of mothers, babies and our staff.

“We remain committed to finding a local solution for local people as soon as this decision was made and I am delighted to confirm that we have already arranged for some services to be temporarily transferred to Stretton Ward at Ludlow Community Hospital, with plans to bring the birthing unit into the main Ludlow Community Hospital by early November.

“This provides a very good environment for women. We will have two labour rooms, a warm and comfortable space for day services, and for the first time in Ludlow an area where we can offer water births.”