THE reopening of North Devon District Hospital’s maternity services is to be delayed yet again, it has been confirmed.

Women from across the area have had to venture further afield to give birth since August after the maternity unit was closed due to safety concerns amid an ongoing staffing and recruitment crisis.

After hopes of a reopening last month was dashed, it has been confirmed that the unit will now remain closed until at least November.

North Devon District Hospital’s management have said that they remain committed to reopening the unit as soon as possible.

While the unit is closed, it is reviewing the situation every two weeks, meaning that the next update on whether it will reopen during November set to come on October 26.

A spokesperson for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Following the Trust's latest maternity readiness assessment undertaken on Monday, October 12, birthing services at North Devon District Hospital remain suspended.

While the temporary suspension continues all current support arrangements remain in place. Women and birthing people should continue to follow their personalised birth plans on the basis of giving birth at the RD&E or their next nearest hospital. Women should continue to contact maternity triage on 01392 406616 early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.

We remain committed to reopening birthing services at NDDH as soon as possible. We are continuing in our efforts to recruit both temporary and substantive staff. We've formally requested support from the wider NHS and we're looking internationally to strengthen our approach to substantive recruitment.

“We are continuing to work towards a provisional reopening and will undertake our next readiness assessment on Monday, October 26, when we will provide our next update.”