NHS bosses say smaller maternity units may have to close

• NHS maternity units face potential consolidation, with smaller services likely to close as part of necessary reorganisation across trusts
• Service reconfiguration driven by NHS Alliance recommendations to improve efficiency and concentrate resources in larger centres
• Clinicians should prepare for potential changes to local maternity provision and consider implications for patient access and referral pathways in their areas

The NHS Alliance said "difficult decisions" lie ahead and some maternity services may have to be consolidated.

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