Bleak outlook for Wiltshire hospital (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Bleak outlook for Wiltshire hospital

THE prospects of a Malmesbury's Maternity Unit being re-opened in the futurelook bleaker than ever following a review of the facility by West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

The PCT appointed a clinical governance review team to look at the services provided at the seven matenity units it manages, including Malmesbury.

The team, which included independent experts, found a high standard of care delivered to women and their babies by teams of skilled and motivated staff.

It also identified that, despite being an award winnning facility, Malmesbury's maternity unit was "not fit for purpose," due to restricted access to the firstfloor.

The report said: "Current service provision is not cost effective owing to the high staff ratio and constant staffing of community maternity units compared to low birth numbers.

"A reduction in the number of community maternity units would release midwives to provide more holistic woman-centred care in their own homes."

The PCT is extending the temporary closure of the maternity unit at Malmesbury Community Hospital until Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT has decided if a new birthing unit will be included as part of the hospital redevelopment project.

The unit was due to close at the end of March 2006 to make way for the redevelopment of health services on the site but was closed some months ago due to staffing shortages.

Chief Nurse, Julie Clatworthy, said: "We will be going out to consultation on our Pathways for Change review of all health services across Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCT areas in January.

"This will include consideration of how maternity services should be provided in Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs.

"No decisions as to the future of any of our other maternity units will be made until the outcome of this public consultation is known."