Insufficient staff saw 15 women turned away from Reading maternity unit in August

In total, 15 women were diverted to other nearby hospitals in August due to the shortages.
The news was revealed at a meeting of the Reading hospital’s board of directors last week.
Hospital spokesman Joe Wise said: “During August we had a higher level of vacancies than usual.
“In addition, we had several midwives on maternity leave and some higher than normal levels of sickness among the staff."
A report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June found staffing levels in the Rushey Unit to be insufficient, and the hospital subsequently closed two of its four beds.
However, the report was not all negative, with it also stating: “Care was delivered with kindness and compassion.
“Patients and their partners were involved, and emotional support was good, particularly in times of bereavement."
Spokespeople for the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital said maternity wards there had never had to be closed due to staff shortages.
For the full report, pick up a copy of today's Newbury Weekly News.