A SHORTAGE of midwives has been blamed for the temporary closure of the maternity unit at Petersfield Hospital.

The popular Grange unit will close on August 7 and it will be at least two months before it reopens.

And the news of its temporary closure will come as a blow to expectant mothers across the town who will have to travel further afield to other maternity units in the area - St MaryÕs hospital in Portsmouth, Blackbrook maternity home at Gosport and the Blake maternity unit at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.

Petersfield Hospital is managed by the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and a spokesman confirmed that the unit would close on August 7 but there was no threat to its long-term future.

She said that there was a general shortage of midwives throughout the trustÕs four units. This was due to a combination of staff holidays and an unusually high level of sickness. In addition, the units were awaiting the arrival of newly qualified midwives.

The Grange unit, which took its name from The Grange maternity hospital at West Liss, is extremely popular

with expectant mothers and their families. It is well known for its excellent facilities and restful atmosphere.

Sarah Roberts, chairman of the Petersfield and Liss branch of the National Childbirth Trust, told The Herald the news had come as a blow.

She said: ÒWomen I have spoken to are bitterly disappointed and let down by this closure. They will not benefit from giving birth at the Grange unit and will also lose the opportunity to have quality post-natal support in those early days.Ó

Lucy Webber, who is expecting her second child, agreed.

She said: ÒI am hugely disappointed. The Grange unit was the best option for me all round, being local, and having all the facilities I wanted. Now I donÕt know what to do.Ó