The North Devon District Hospital maternity unit has been closed since 11 August due to staffing shortages, and a planned reopening on 29 September was delayed after two locum consultants left. Trust leaders say they have been recruiting since late 2025 and offered a £50,000 recruitment premium with limited success. A report recorded 106 births between the closure start and 15 September, with fewer than five outside standard delivery settings and clinical staff present at each. Local authorities and NHS partners have agreed to form a Northern Devon Task Force to find sustainable solutions.
North Devon Maternity Unit Reopening Delayed as Staffing Shortages Persist
A special meeting was held to discuss the latest on maternity services in north Devon. [BBC]
Health leaders responsible for maternity services in Devon faced scrutiny after the temporary closure of the North Devon District Hospital maternity unit continued, disrupting care since 11 August.
What Happened
The unit has been closed since 11 August because of staffing shortages. Simon Higginson, chief executive of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, told a scrutiny meeting the Trust has been trying to recruit additional staff "since late 2025." A planned reopening on 29 September was postponed because the service remains understaffed.
Why Reopening Has Been Delayed
Higginson said two locum consultants recently left the unit, preventing the service from reopening as scheduled. He also noted that locum staff can give as little as one week's notice when they depart, complicating short-term planning.
"Reopening the unit is my absolute priority, but it has to be done safely," Higginson told councillors.
Dr Vanessa Purday, the Trust's chief medical officer, highlighted a national shortage of obstetricians as a key factor limiting recruitment. The Trust has offered a £50,000 recruitment premium, but Purday said this has had "limited success" so far.
Councillor Jess Bailey says she wants it to be a "top priority" [BBC]
"We fully recognise the fear and anxiety the temporary suspension continues to create for families in our community," Purday said. She added that two overseas staff have recently joined the team and that recruitment efforts are focusing on candidates from New Zealand and Australia.
Impact So Far
A report presented to the committee showed there had been 106 births between the start of the closure and 15 September. Fewer than five of those births occurred outside standard labour and delivery environments, and a healthcare professional was present at every birth.
The Trust said it is conducting a reopening "readiness assessment" every two weeks and is reviewing job advertisements to make roles more competitive.
Next Steps
Following the meeting, Devon County Council said it had agreed with NHS Devon, the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board (ICB) and other partners to establish a Northern Devon Task Force. The group will develop practical, sustainable solutions to restore and maintain maternity services in northern Devon.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson described the situation as "unacceptable" and said the government expects the closure to be resolved as soon as possible. Officials also emphasised that the local Trust must have clear plans in place to ensure mothers and babies are supported and kept safe during the temporary closure.
Community leaders and health officials remain under pressure to deliver a safe reopening date and longer-term staffing solutions.
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