NHS maternity units face closures and safety concerns across England

NHS leaders have warned that up to 20% of England's maternity units may have to close because of staff shortages. England has 147 consultant-led units, so this could mean nearly 30 closures. Some units are already turning patients away due to pressure on the health service. A review has also found serious problems with buildings and equipment. At least 7% of maternity facilities are at risk of breaking down soon. Other problems include broken equipment, wards that are too crowded, and rooms that are too small for emergency care. Poor ventilation and limited CCTV coverage have also been recorded. NHS England has given money to hospitals to fix the most urgent safety problems and has asked for a review of building standards.