BIRTH services are set to be reinstated at a South Cumbria maternity unit after months of suspension due to poor ventilation concerns.

Morecambe Bay Trust temporarily suspended birth services at Helme Chase Maternity Unit at Westmorland General in March because of the risk of over-exposure to Entonox. 

Entonox, also known as gas and air, is used as an option for pain relief during childbirth.

At the time, the trust said there was no danger for mothers or babies however there was a potential risk for staff due to prolonged exposure. 

Prolonged exposure to Entonox can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and anaemia and has been linked to fertility problems. 

READ MORE: Birth services suspended at Westmorland General maternity unit

Birthing services at the unit were suspended after the trust received routine air ventilation and air change test results in February. The tests were done last year, and they indicated that the unit has very low air ventilation. 

However, trust bosses have since revealed birth services will resume as normal at the end of June.

Tabetha Darmon, chief nursing officer, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), said: “Birth services were temporarily suspended at the Helme Chase Maternity Unit at Westmorland General Hospital at the end of March to protect our midwifery colleagues and ensure their safety. We are pleased to share that we are planning to reinstate birth services at the unit at the end of June.

“Only birth services at Helme Chase are affected by this temporary suspension. All other services, including ante-natal and post-natal services continue to operate as usual and individuals should attend their appointments as normal.

"The South Lakes Birth Centre at Furness General Hospital and the maternity unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary also continue to provide birth services. Our Homebirth Service has remained available in all of the areas we serve during the temporary suspension.

“Thank you to everyone who uses our services and to our maternity teams for their ongoing understanding and support while we complete the essential building work.”