The closure of local maternity units in rural areas has led to increased travel distances for women in labour, according to readers reflecting on the situation. This follows the closure of North Devon district hospital, which has prompted concerns about the choices facing pregnant women in Devon and Cornwall.
Similar situations have been reported in other rural parts of the UK. In south Cumbria, first-time deliveries are now only available at hospitals in Lancaster or Barrow-in-Furness. For residents of Ambleside, the journey to Royal Lancaster Infirmary could take an hour, but traffic delays are a possibility.
Ambulance availability is also a concern, with reports of two-hour delays before an ambulance becomes available in Cumbria. One reader recounted having to drive their partner to hospital following a heart attack due to these delays.
Concerns have been raised that women in North Devon may have to travel 40 miles to Exeter along narrow country roads while in labour. Some fear this could lead to babies being born by the roadside.