4 August 2023

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has taken the decision to temporarily suspend its Fetal Medicine Service.

During the closure, which is due to clinician retirements and unavailability, combined with a national shortage of fetal medicine consultants, women requiring access to the service will be referred to neighbouring trusts. Recruitment for the service, which cares for approximately 20 women each month, is ongoing, and all affected families have been contacted to discuss their care plan.

The neighbouring trusts providing consultant fetal medicine appointments during the closure, which is currently estimated to be 12-14 months, include: Birmingham Women’s Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, University Hospital of North Midlands at Stoke, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton Trust. To maintain a local service whilst still providing specialist expertise during the suspension, all other elements of antenatal (including routine scans), and postnatal care, and births, will continue as normal at SaTH.

Carol McInnes, Director of Operations, Women and Children’s Division, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I apologise to the women and families impacted by the suspension of our Fetal Medicine Service. Although this change affects a small number of service users, we recognise that these women will need to travel further to some appointments.

“Whilst we want to provide a comprehensive maternity service, our absolute priority is to provide safe care. We are focused on staffing and safely resuming the service as soon as we are able to.”

Service users who have further questions are asked to speak to their midwife, or email sath.womenandchildrensadmin@nhs.net

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fetal Medicine Services?

Fetal medicine is a branch of medicine that provides care for the fetus and mother. The service provides counselling and support for families through diagnosis and management of fetal disorders (including fetal abnormalities).

How do I know if I need care from the Fetal Medicine Service?

Families requiring fetal medicines services will be told on an individual basis during pregnancy.

Will I receive financial support for travelling to a different Trust?

Some service users may be eligible for the hospital transport service or help with health costs. For more information, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/

Are any other maternity services at SaTH affected?

All other maternity services at SaTH are continuing as normal. Please continue to attend all appointments.