Norfolk hospitals may downgrade maternity services, MPs warn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 09:32 · Archive

Maternity services at two Norfolk hospitals could be downgraded as hospital bosses consider centralising care.

MPs and campaigners have warned that plans to downgrade maternity services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and the James Paget in Gorleston would be 'devastating' and put women at risk. Both hospitals are understood to be at risk of losing their A&E, intensive care and maternity services as the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group considers centralising services at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Documents show hospital bosses are modelling three preliminary options for emergency care, with two of which downgrading A&E at both hospitals. Under the most drastic scenario, both would lose their emergency departments and intensive care units. While maternity services are not mentioned directly in the documents, it is understood that this provision is also facing potential downgrades.

Bernard Brett, chair of the Clinical Advisory Group made up of medical professionals across the three sites, told the BBC that both sites should retain 24/7 emergency care. The uncertainty has caused significant concern in west Norfolk and the Great Yarmouth area, with many fearing long travel times to receive care. The Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group said no decisions have been made and no preferred option has been identified.

How it is being reported

• Fears for maternity care at Norfolk hospitals as MPs warn women could be 'at risk’MPs and campaigners have warned about the risks of downgrading maternity services at the James Paget and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.Eastern Daily Press · 24 Oct, 09:00
• Fears for maternity care at Norfolk hospitals as MPs warn women could be 'at risk’MPs and campaigners have warned about the risks of downgrading maternity services at the James Paget and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.Norwich Evening News · 24 Oct, 09:00

In this story: Queen Elizabeth Hospital · James Paget · Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital · Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group · King's Lynn · Gorleston · Bernard Brett

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