The Chippenham birthing centre is set to reopen this month after nearly a year of closure due to staff shortages.

Families have had to travel to Bath or Frome to access birthing services since the Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust announced the temporary closure of the Chippenham centre in April, 2022.

At the time, the trust said midwifery numbers were “critically short” and suspended births at the Chippenham Community Hospital and homebirths for safety reasons until April 20, 2022.

This was repeatedly extended, but the trust has now announced they will be able to support homebirths and reopen the Chippenham Birthing Centre from 8am on Tuesday, March 21.

Director of midwifery, Zita Martinez, said: “We want to thank you for your understanding during this difficult time and offer our apologies for not being able to offer as wide a choice of place of birth to families over the past year.

“This was due to staff shortages and the need to prioritise the safety of women, birthing people and their babies before, during and after birth.

“Wherever you are considering having your baby, please discuss this with your midwife at your next appointment.”

The centre will host an open event where people can meet community midwives on Thursday, March 2.