A Northern Ireland maternity hospital is temporarily pausing births due to concerns raised around a number of cases.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed that the maternity unit at the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn will stop births at the unit while a review of the service takes place.
Expectant mothers will be offered alternative care, including Midwifery Led care from the Ulster Hospital Home from Home unit.
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The Trust has said that the pause is a precautionary measure in the interest of patient safety due to concerns raised regarding a "small number" of births at the unit.
These cases are now under active review and the Trust is engaging with the families involved.
A South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust spokesperson said: "The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is temporarily pausing births in the Lagan Valley Hospital’s Midwifery Led Unit. All current ante-natal and post-natal services will continue to be provided in the unit.
"Expectant mothers will be offered alternative care, including Midwifery Led care in the Home from Home Unit in the Ulster Hospital.
"The South Eastern Trust is taking this precautionary action because of concerns that have been raised about a very small number of cases who have birthed in the unit. These cases are under active review and we are engaging with the families involved.
"We understand this decision may be disappointing for both staff in the unit and expectant mothers, however the Trust has taken this temporary action in the interest of patient safety, pending the outcome of these reviews.
"All expectant mothers scheduled to give birth in the Midwifery Led Unit in the Lagan Valley Hospital and all staff impacted by this temporary action are being contacted by the Trust.
"On average, 8 women give birth in this unit each month.
"The Trust is unable to comment at the moment while the reviews are underway. It will however provide further updates when the reviews are complete."
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