Midwife shortage shuts Paulton birth unit

A birthing centre in Somerset is being closed over the summer months because of a shortage of midwives.

The service at Paulton will close temporarily and pregnant women will have to travel to the Royal United Hospital in Bath or to Frome to give birth.

NHS Wiltshire, which runs the service, said staff sickness and holidays have lead to the shortage.

Ante or post-natal care will continue to be available to women at Paulton.