Troubled maternity unit to reopen this summer (From thisisoxfordshire)

Troubled maternity unit to reopen this summer

11:53am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News By Tom Jennings, covering Witney and West Oxfordshire. Call me on 01865 425403

HEALTH bosses have today agreed to reopen a maternity unit in Chipping Norton on July 1.

The Cotswold Maternity Unit was closed to births in October last year and a long-awaited review launched.

A report into the future of the unit, at the town's War Memorial Hospital, was discussed at a meeting of the Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust’s board this morning.

The review outlines “significant concerns” about the culture, high number of referrals, falling birth rates and governance at the unit.

Director of clinical services Paul Brennan said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that the board of directors has today agreed to re-open the Cotswold Maternity Unit to births by July 1.

“There are some key steps that we need to take first, including some physical works to the unit and some development work with staff.”

He said the problems that led to the unit’s closure “are being addressed” and was “confident” about the quality of services when the unit did reopen.

He added: “I know that the last few months have been difficult both for the staff and for the many supporters of the Cotswold Maternity Unit.

“The Trust’s principle responsibility is to provide safe and reliable care to our patients. “There were some real concerns raised about the services at the unit that we had to look into.”

• Did you attend or work at the unit in the last year? If so, call our reporter Tom Jennings on 01865 425403 or email news@oxfordmail.co.uk