RUH Bath set to take over maternity services

THE Royal United Hospital Bath has been chosen as the preferred bidder to provide maternity services.

The decision means that maternity services provided at the Royal United Hospital and at community birthing centres in Trowbridge, Chippenham, Frome, Paulton and Shepton Mallett will be run by the RUH from 1st June. Maternity staff will transfer over to the employment of the RUH at the same time.

RUH Chief Executive James Scott said, “I am delighted that we have been chosen as the preferred bidder for maternity services. For many years, babies have been delivered at the RUH but our Trust has not actually run this service since 1992.

“I’d like to reassure all expectant mothers planning to give birth at our hospital or one of the community birthing centres that we are absolutely committed to providing them with tailored care and the highest quality service possible.

“We will provide all women who are booked to the service with further information in the near future, and we are committed to providing them with the freedom to choose a delivery that suits their circumstances, whether they want to give birth at home, in a birthing centre, or in the Princess Anne Wing.

“I am delighted that the midwives and maternity staff will be joining the RUH and continue to provide the highest possible level of individual care to women during what is one of the most rewarding life events. We are looking forward to developing the service with them and the public we serve in the coming months and years.”

The announcement follows a competitive tender process run by NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

The RUH will be working closely with colleagues from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust over the next few months to ensure the smooth transfer of services between the trusts.