Families in Harrow can once again choose to have a planned home birth after the local NHS service resumed following a temporary interruption.
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), which provides maternity services across Harrow, Brent and Ealing, said the service had been suspended after the organisation contracted to provide it went into administration.
The home birth service is now operating again under a new model, giving families another option over where they choose to give birth.
Two midwives to attend planned home births
Under the restarted service, home birth cover will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LNWH says two midwives will attend each planned home birth, alongside enhanced training for staff and clearer procedures for transferring a patient to hospital if additional care is needed.
The Trust also said the new arrangements include strengthened clinical oversight and governance.
Families considering a home birth are advised to discuss their options with their midwife.
LNWH says circumstances can sometimes change during pregnancy or labour, meaning someone who had planned to give birth at home may need to be transferred to hospital.
Maternity services across Harrow
LNWH provides maternity care to around 4,000 women and families each year across Harrow, Brent and Ealing.
Its main maternity unit is based at Northwick Park Hospital, where families can also choose to give birth at the hospital’s birth centre or delivery suite depending on their circumstances and preferences.
The Trust announced the return of the home birth service on Wednesday, 23 September.
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