Pregnant woman 'made race demand'

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A Buckinghamshire hospital has begun an investigation after a woman about to give birth allegedly objected to non-white staff being in the delivery room.

The unnamed white woman, who had a Caesarean section, had the request refused by Milton Keynes Hospital.

Hospital staff have complained to the Equality and Human Rights Commission about the way the situation was handled earlier this month.

The hospital said it had begun a "full investigation".

"A specific request was made, but due to patient confidentiality, we cannot go into detail," a hospital spokeswoman said.

'Absolutely surprised'

"At present we can say that the baby was not delivered by an all-white team of staff and the mother and baby were not cared for by an all-white team.

"We did not change medical rotas."

She added that there were medical complications during the birth earlier this month, but that mother and baby had now returned home "safe, well and happy".

Navrita Atwal, of Milton Keynes Equality Council, said: "I'm absolutely surprised by the circumstances of this case.

"What if there had not been a white doctor available? What would have happened then?

"I think the hospital staff should go through relevant training about how to think on their feet when this situation arises."

The hospital said it is thought to be the first time such a request has been made to them.