Units in the UK were closed to admissions for 170 days last year meaningwomen in labour were transferred elsewhere, according to researchorganisation Dr Foster.
Government guidelines recommend each midwife be allocated no more than32 expectant mothers. However, figures show that in the East Midlands,which is suffering most acutely from shortages, midwives managecaseloads of more than 41 women, compared with 34 in Englandoverall.
The annual figures were taken from a questionnaire sent to all UKmaternity units.
- www.drfoster.co.uk.
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