HEALTH bosses say a number of events are planned to help prospective parents find out more about changes to maternity provision in Tiverton.

Under new plans to integrate maternity services, around 75 staff in three community hospitals, including Tiverton's, will transfer from NHS Devon to the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust from April 1.

The maternity unit at Tiverton & District Hospital is currently closed and the NHS says the changes will enable it to reopen the service at the earliest opportunity and to provide more choice for mums-to-be.

Andrea Toman, NHS Devon's lead midwife, responsible for Tiverton, Honiton and Okehampton services, said the changes would secure the longer-term future of the Tiverton maternity unit and result in fewer short-term closures.

She said mums in Mid Devon will also have a greater choice over where they would like to give birth, with more opportunity to give birth at home.

But some still argue that Tiverton Community Hospital provides a more personal service. Sarah Austin, from Willand, said: "I was transferred to Exeter, where I was left in an examination room — it wasn't even a properly equipped labour room.

"The midwives in Exeter are fine, just so overworked. I was offered tea and toast after my labour and received it two and a half hours later.

"I got myself transferred back to Tiverton for three days of wonderful aftercare. The midwives there helped and encouraged me when I was feeling very overwhelmed and tearful."

NHS Devon has asked the RD&E to ensure midwifery services in community hospitals at least match those on offer at its own birth centre, where all mums having a normal birth return home on the day of birth. They say the county is one of only two trusts in the South West where this has not been achieved.

No dates have been finalised for the planned engagement events, which will be held in Tiverton and other community hospitals which are part of the change. They will be led by midwives and other NHS staff.

Those who would like to attend an event are asked to contact d-pc.strategicreview@nhs.net, or telephone 01392 267865.