Shrewsbury hospital maternity unit closed for births after snow damages roof
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital's midwife-led unit has closed for births and inpatient care until the end of January after snow damaged its roof.
The unit will remain open to outpatient services including day attendees, hearing screening and the registrar.
Shropshire's rural maternity units in Ludlow, Oswestry and Bridgnorth, shut in July due to staff shortages.
Expectant mothers will have to use the two maternity units at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford or give birth at home.
Jo Banks, Women and Children’s Care Group Director at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said: “The extreme weather conditions have caused damage to part of the roof and as a result we have unfortunately had to temporarily suspend all of our in-patient services at the MLU, including deliveries.
"Our estates team is currently assessing the extent of the damage, and we are working with them to ensure that repairs are carried out as soon as they can be.
"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience or distress that this may cause.”
Outpatient appointments and non-emergency operations were cancelled on Monday due to a combination of factors including advice from emergency services for people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
The hospitals have also been affected by some members of staff struggling to get into work.
