INPATIENT services, including births, at Shrewsbury Midwife Led Unit (MLU) have been temporarily suspended due to staff sickness.

The suspension came into force at 8pm today (Friday, September 7) and will until 8.30am on Monday (September 10).

Antenatal and postnatal outpatient services will continue.

Anthea Gregory-Page, deputy head of midwifery at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the unit, said: “Unfortunately, due to short-term staff sickness, it will be necessary to suspend inpatient services at Shrewsbury MLU from 8pm today until 8.30am on Monday.

"This is to ensure the safety of our mothers and babies. I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Women booked to give birth at the unit who go into labour during this time will be offered a birth at either Wrekin MLU or the Consultant Led Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

If any women due to give birth at Shrewsbury MLU require support during this time they will be able to access a midwife.

All women potentially affected by the suspension are being contacted.