BIRTHS at Andover War Memorial Hospital’s maternity centre have been suspended.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Andover hospital, suspended the service from the beginning of July to allow for a review of its care and make changes if needed.

The trust is reassuring no other services are affected and women can continue to attend post-natal and ante natal care and clinics at the centre.

A trust spokesperson said: “It is not uncommon for a service to be suspended if it is necessary for operational reasons, staffing issues or safety.

“On this occasion we have commissioned an independent external review to consider the model of care at Andover.

“The model at Andover differs from other midwife led birthing units, in that it operates as a community hub which means it supports births through a domino model - midwives attend the birth centre with women to deliver their babies.”

Women affected by the service have been contacted by the hospital and midwifery-led births will continue to be provided at home and at Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.