This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27054688

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Staff and bed shortages force maternity closures Staff and bed shortages force maternity closures
(about 1 hour later)
Many NHS trusts in England have had to shut their maternity units in the past year, a BBC investigation shows.Many NHS trusts in England have had to shut their maternity units in the past year, a BBC investigation shows.
Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows 62 trusts out of 121 respondents - 51% - temporarily closed to pregnant women in 2013.Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows 62 trusts out of 121 respondents - 51% - temporarily closed to pregnant women in 2013.
The most common reasons for temporary closures were lack of staff and beds.The most common reasons for temporary closures were lack of staff and beds.
The situation has worsened since 2008, when Conservative Party research found 42% of trusts had shut their maternity unit at least once.The situation has worsened since 2008, when Conservative Party research found 42% of trusts had shut their maternity unit at least once.
The 2008 research also found that one in 10 trusts had been forced to close their unit 10 times or more.The 2008 research also found that one in 10 trusts had been forced to close their unit 10 times or more.
The 62 trusts identified this time represented 51% of those that responded to the BBC Freedom of Information request. Some 12% had closed their units 10 times or more.The 62 trusts identified this time represented 51% of those that responded to the BBC Freedom of Information request. Some 12% had closed their units 10 times or more.
Many were for just for a few hours, but there were examples of wards closing their doors to new patients for over 48 hours until pressures had eased.Many were for just for a few hours, but there were examples of wards closing their doors to new patients for over 48 hours until pressures had eased.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust closed the most times, with 97 closures across its two hospitals - the Queen's Medical Centre, 48, and Nottingham City Hospital, 49.Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust closed the most times, with 97 closures across its two hospitals - the Queen's Medical Centre, 48, and Nottingham City Hospital, 49.
This was followed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with 89 closures across its two hospitals - Leeds General Infirmary, 60, and St James's University Hospital, 29.This was followed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with 89 closures across its two hospitals - Leeds General Infirmary, 60, and St James's University Hospital, 29.
In Wales, six out of seven health boards responded. Four had experienced closures.In Wales, six out of seven health boards responded. Four had experienced closures.
Some closures were only for short periods, but there were examples of units being shut for more than 24 hours.Some closures were only for short periods, but there were examples of units being shut for more than 24 hours.
Scotland and Northern Ireland did not report any closures.Scotland and Northern Ireland did not report any closures.
'Hugely disruptive''Hugely disruptive'
The findings come after a poll last year by the Care Quality Commission showed the maternity system in England was under strain.The findings come after a poll last year by the Care Quality Commission showed the maternity system in England was under strain.
A quarter of women reported being left alone during labour and birth at a time that worried them.A quarter of women reported being left alone during labour and birth at a time that worried them.
There are currently nearly 22,000 midwives in the NHS in England - a rise of more than 1,700 in four years.There are currently nearly 22,000 midwives in the NHS in England - a rise of more than 1,700 in four years.
But the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) believes there is a shortage of 4,500 because the birth rate is at its highest since the early 1970s.But the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) believes there is a shortage of 4,500 because the birth rate is at its highest since the early 1970s.
However, the demands being placed on the service are also related to the larger number of complex births being seen because of factors such as obesity and multiple births linked to fertility treatment.However, the demands being placed on the service are also related to the larger number of complex births being seen because of factors such as obesity and multiple births linked to fertility treatment.
RCM chief executive Cathy Warwick said: "Birth is unpredictable and sometimes units get a rush of births that is unavoidable and cannot be planned for.RCM chief executive Cathy Warwick said: "Birth is unpredictable and sometimes units get a rush of births that is unavoidable and cannot be planned for.
"However, if units are regularly and persistently having to close their doors to women it suggests there is a serious underlying problem.""However, if units are regularly and persistently having to close their doors to women it suggests there is a serious underlying problem."
Elizabeth Duff, of the National Childbirth Trust, said: "This failure of maternity services can mean women get passed from pillar to post when having a baby. This is hugely disruptive to labour."Elizabeth Duff, of the National Childbirth Trust, said: "This failure of maternity services can mean women get passed from pillar to post when having a baby. This is hugely disruptive to labour."
Has a maternity unit closed near you? What has been the impact? You can email your experiences to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, using the subject line 'Maternity units'.