Beds decrease sparks fear of maternity service crisis
THE number of maternity beds is falling, despite a rising birth rate, putting the service at breaking point, it has been claimed.
Alun Cairns, Conservative AM for South Wales West, has revealed there were 35,649 births in Wales during 2008 — the highest figure since 1972.
But the number of maternity beds has dropped to 526 from 564 five years ago. At Singleton Hospital, there were 57 beds during 2007/08, compared to 62 during 2004.
Meanwhile, at Neath Port Talbot Hospital there are now seven maternity beds compared to 16 in 2004. The hospital is home to a midwife-led unit.
An Assembly Government spokeswoman said: "The birth rate has increased by six per cent this year and we are working with the Royal College of Midwives and trusts to ease the pressure on maternity wards and services."
3 Comments
by kate, port talbot
Monday, July 06 2009, 2:22PM
“i can't even get a emergency appointment to have a scan and my bloods done at that hospital as they have lost my paper work!. its a slight emergency for me as i have missed my 1st scan.
i am defo not giving birth there if they can't even sort out a appointment for me”
by J, Swansea
Sunday, July 05 2009, 9:33PM
“Is it relevant that the mothers stay in hospital is now generally shorter? My friend was sent home the day after a CS when you used to be kept in for 5 days (obviously assuming no problems)”
by mum to be, Port Talbot
Sunday, July 05 2009, 4:31PM
“I am currently pregnant with my 3rd child and have noticed a marked difference in the maternity services since the birth of my first child in 2002. I must say, not for the better either. These differences have made quite a large impact on my pregnancy this time round. Something needs to be done.”