In recent coverage, the Epsom Guardian has raised safety concerns about possible proposals for maternity services.
Your article suggested that increased travel times could impact on the outcome for mothers and babies in emergency situations.
We feel it is important to clarify that in the majority of women, pregnancies are uncomplicated and travel times from home to hospital would not adversely affect safety.
There are some circumstances when access to an obstetrician immediately improves outcomes.
We believe that obstetric units should be staffed to be able to deliver high quality, safe care at all times so that in these rare emergencies, outcomes for mothers and babies will be good.
In all decisions about safe birthing locations for women, individual risk must be considered.
We have seen from the Birthplace in England research programme report in November 2011 that provided that this is done, midwifery units and home are safe places to give birth.
Miss Jane Wilson – Consultant Obstetrician; Mr Hassan Shehata – Consultation Obstetrician; Dr Mike Lane – GP On behalf of the BSBV Maternity and Newborn Clinical Working Group
- What do you think? Send your letter to letters@epsomguardian.co.uk.
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