Ambulance provision must meet any increased maternity demand – Sugden

Other steps to reassure mothers-to-be and their families in light of the move must also be taken, Ms Sugden said.

“I have spoken to a number of local ambulance workers and they all expect added pressure in relation to maternity issues,” said the independent MLA.

“Given the longer distance involved in getting to Antrim Area Hospital, if women cannot get a lift – especially at the last minute – then they will naturally be more inclined to call 999.

“This already happened to some extent when births remained at Causeway, but ambulances will be tied up for longer simply by having to travel further. This will result in knock-on effects for other health services,” said MLA Sugden.

“Health chiefs need to identify issues such as these and have solutions ready to go. Pregnancy and birth is a stressful enough time without adding any uncertainty over such a fundamental issue as getting to the hospital.

“If decisions have been made and steps taken on this and other issues, then these need to be relayed so that expectant mothers have confidence they will be looked after,” she concluded.

A decision was taken in June that births will no longer take place at Causeway Hospital following a decision by the Department of Health (DoH). The DoH permanent secretary approved the move to consolidate maternity services at Antrim Area Hospital. Antenatal and postnatal clinics will be retained and enhanced at Causeway Hospital, the department said.