Plans for midwife-led birthing unit shelved
NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale has decided not to proceed with the business case for a standalone midwife-led birthing unit for Rochdale based on the results of a feasibility study. The study determined that safety was a big concern and families preferred the reassurance of having a doctor on standby in case of complications. Dr Hazel Platts, a GP at Ashworth Street Surgery, joint clinical lead of Rochdale West GP Commissioning Group, and chairman of the clinical commissioning committee, said: “GPs in the borough recognise the importance of making informed decisions on the provision of services in Rochdale borough, which are of high quality and are safe for our residents. The decision not to continue with the business case is appropriate based on the evidence.”
