Following extensive public and staff engagement, recommendations to change how maternity and neonatal services will be delivered across north central London (NCL) have been approved by the NCL Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS England (Specialised Commissioning).

They met today (25 March) to discuss the recommendations in detail, including the case for change, feedback from the public consultation and the expected benefits of the recommendations. The meeting also heard questions from members of the public.

The agreed recommendations include:

  • Closing maternity and neonatal services at the Royal Free Hospital after several years.

Maternity and neonatal services will be consolidated onto four hospital sites: Barnet Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital, University College London Hospitals, and Whittington Health.

These hospitals will all provide at least level two neonatal care, and both obstetric and midwifery-led maternity care. Home births will also continue to be available across NCL.

  • Closing the birthing suites at Edgware Birth Centre and expanding antenatal and postnatal care at the site.
  • An additional £67 million of capital investment to improve the quality of the estate across NCL's Integrated Care System maternity and neonatal services.

You can read the recommendations in more detail on the NCL ICB website in the decision making case.

The decision comes after a rigorous process, including a public consultation and extensive work with clinicians to develop recommendations.

What does this mean for women and pregnant people who are booked to give birth at the Royal Free Hospital or Edgware Birth Centre?

All our services are open as usual and there will be no changes to your care. Please continue to attend all your appointments at the Royal Free Hospital and Edgware Birth Centre as usual.

What does this mean for women and pregnant people who are considering the Royal Free Hospital or Edgware Birth Centre as a place to give birth?

All our services are open as usual, and we continue to accept new bookings at both the Royal Free Hospital and Edgware Birth Centre.

Read more about the NCL Start Well programme on NCL ICB's website.