Help shape the future of Birth Choices in Wakefield District at online event this April

Local people are invited to share their views on birth choices across Wakefield District at a free online event this April.

The Birth Choices consultation focuses on the future of birthing services at Pontefract Hospital, where births have been temporarily suspended since 2019. The NHS is asking for feedback on a proposal to not reinstate the birth facility, while continuing to offer antenatal and postnatal care at the hospital.

The event will give people the chance to ask questions, find out more, and share their views before a final decision is made.

The event, taking place on Tuesday 29 April from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, is open to everyone, and you can join from any device. There’s no need to book a place or register – just click the link below to join on the day.

How to join the event

• Tuesday 29 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
• Join the meeting now (link goes to Microsoft Teams)
• Meeting ID: 360 813 939 357
• Passcode: tc6JA9WZ

Why is this consultation important?

Births at Pontefract Hospital were paused in 2019 due to safety concerns. The NHS is now considering whether to permanently stop births at Pontefract, while ensuring people continue to have a full range of birth choices, including home births, midwife-led units in Pinderfields and Dewsbury, and consultant-led care at Pinderfields Hospital.

Before making a final decision, the NHS wants to hear from local people about how this would affect them and whether other options should be considered.

Mel Brown, Accountable Officer for Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership, said:

“Maternity services are hugely important to families in our area, and we want to provide the safest, highest-quality care. This event will give people a chance to tell us what’s important to them and their growing family.”

How to have your say

If you can’t make the event, there are other ways to share your views:

• complete a survey online
• download and print a copy of the survey. You can post your completed survey to
  FREEPOST NHS WAKEFIELD (you do not need a stamp):
• email: wyicb-wak.engagement@nhs.net
• call: 01924 213050

The consultation is open until Sunday 18 May 2025. Everyone is encouraged to take part, especially those who have recently used maternity services or may do so in the future.

For more information, visit bit.ly/WakefieldDistrictBirthChoices