Decisions on maternity and neonatal services in North London confirmed

Against a backdrop of declining local birth rates, NHS leaders have confirmed a decision that will shape the future of maternity and neonatal services across North London for generations to come.   The plans will see four maternity units serve Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, as well as those in neighbouring boroughs who choose to use North Central London services. Units at University College London Hospital, Barnet Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and Whittington Hospital will continue to deliver care, while services will eventually stop at the Royal Free Hospital.

Local specialist doctors, midwives and NHS managers have been working on the Start Well programme for over three years, to inform decisions about how best to deliver sustainable, high quality, clinically excellent services, improving health outcomes for all. 

It has involved a comprehensive programme of planning, research and population modelling, together with engagement and consultation with thousands of people including key community groups, service users, parents, the public and staff.   

Dr Josephine Sauvage, a local GP and Medical Director for the Start Well programme, and the North Central London Integrated Care Board, says: “We want to consistently provide the very best quality services for babies, children and parents – wherever they are – across our communities.” 

A further part of the proposals will see the expansion of antenatal and postnatal care services out of Edgware Birth Centre, and the closure of the birthing suites at Edgware Birth Centre, which see fewer than 50 births a year and just 28 in the last financial year, with the space used for additional antenatal and postnatal care. 

Dr Sauvage adds that the changing needs of local people have been at the heart of the proposals: “We have a declining birth rate in our area, and the need for more complex support for mothers, pregnant people and their babies is growing.  

Frances O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, North Central London Integrated Care Board, adds: “As the Board discussion reflected, these have been difficult and significant decisions. We know how hard staff work to provide services that are highly valued. However, the current arrangements cannot continue as they are.

“We heard some very important feedback, questions and challenges during the consultation and have taken this on board.   As we move forward, we are committed to continuing the conversation, working with local residents to ensure our services meet the different needs of our communities, as well as closely supporting staff who might be impacted in the future.”