AT least eight pregnant women a week are being transferred from midwife-run maternity units to consultant-led departments in Wales, according to figures obtained by Plaid Cymru.
More than 1,700 transfers have taken place in the Aneurin Bevan, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Cwm Taf and Powys Health Board areas during the past five years, with 455 during 2012.
The figures were provided to Plaid Cymru by the health boards. “Although midwife-led units are safe, it is vital that there is speedy access to consultants when complications arise,” said Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru’s shadow health spokeswoman.
“The responses show that a considerable number of pregnant women need to be transferred from midwife-maternity units when complications occur.”
In Gwent, 319 women in labour were transferred during 2009-August 2013, with figures ranging from 87 in 2009 to 59 in 2011. This year, there had been 34 transfers up to August.
THe NHS is considering reorganising services in South Wales. Obstetric, neonatal, and some other services would be centralised at four or five sites.
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