ANDOVER hospital's birthing service has re-opened its doors following a review which praised the 'high standard' of its midwifery practice.

The service at Andover War Memorial Hospital's maternity centre was suspended at the beginning of July to undergo an external review, which has now highlighted plans to develop the town's maternity service in the long-term.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Andover's hospital, looked at the 'domino model' of care received by women, where midwives attend the births with them at the centre.

The service has resumed from today.

A trust spokesperson said: "The review has concluded that there is a high standard of midwifery practice within the unit and that there is strong evidence of care and compassion and the trust’s core values being upheld using this model for birth.

"Andover War Memorial Hospital is a vital and much-loved part of the community and important to the trust and its commitment to serving the local population.

"The trust is not only looking to develop the maternity service based there over time, but is keen to work with local women and their families to consider how we can improve the environment and facilities of the maternity centre."