Temporary closure of Wycombe Birth Centre to women for labour or delivery extended until September

Posted: 3 June 2020

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust has had to make a number of temporary changes to maternity services to ensure that staff can be redeployed to areas where they are most needed and ensure patient safety is not comprised.

The decision, taken in March 2020, to suspend births at Wycombe Birth Centre was due to be reviewed in June 2020. This review has now taken place and unfortunately, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce and our need to ensure the safety of all women and babies in our care, the Trust has extended the suspension until the 1 September 2020.

The review was undertaken by the Head of Midwifery in accordance with national guidance on the provision of midwifery-led settings during the evolving coronavirus pandemic.

It is planned that births at Wycombe Birth Centre will resume on 1 September 2020 and the maternity team is working hard to ensure that this happens.

If you are currently considering your birthing options, or had planned to give birth at Wycombe Birth Centre, please be assured that you will continue to be fully supported by a birth centre continuity team midwife.

Aylesbury Birth Centre has the same midwifery-led care as the Wycombe Birth Centre which means you can maintain your birth plan; you also have the choice of home and the consultant-led labour ward at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Your midwife will discuss all of your options with you.

Please note that antenatal and outpatient postnatal care will continue to be offered at Wycombe Birth Centre.

Karen Bonner, chief nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust said: “The safety of all women and babies in our care is our key priority. This was a difficult decision to make and we recognise that it will be very disappointing for women who may have been considering Wycombe Birth Centre for their delivery during the next three months. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Please contact your midwife if you have any concerns or questions. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.