THE maternity unit at Ludlow Hospital has been closed because of concerns about the condition of the building.

Health chiefs describe the move as ‘temporary’ and have not released any details about the problem with the building.

The Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust says it is working hard to ensure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum and expectant mothers due to give birth at Ludlow Maternity Unit have been contacted and alternative arrangements have been put in place.

“I would like to apologise for any disruption this temporary closure may cause,” said Simon Wright, Chief Executive at the Trust.

“The decision to temporarily suspend services is not one we have taken lightly, but one we felt to be necessary and in the best interest of our patients, who must always come first in everything we do. We are working hard to ensure minimum disruption is caused.

“I have requested a number of reports be conducted into the condition of the building. No further decisions about when services will resume will be made until the findings of those reports are returned and evaluated.”

A small number of women due to attend Ludlow Maternity Unit in the next few weeks have been notified of their options for birth and the important telephone numbers they may require.

The Trust says Community Midwifery services will be entirely maintained and should women have concerns they should contact their community midwife using the numbers given to them and contained within their hand-held records.