Chief nursing officer at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

“Unfortunately, we have now reached the point where we cannot safely provide the level of medical cover required to continue births at North Devon district hospital.”

Clinical Lead Neonatal Services at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

“We appreciate that it can be a very worrying time for parents whose babies may need specialist care on our unit. We hope that being able to visualise the unit prior to visiting in person can provide some reassurance. We want to do as much as we can to make the experience of being in a NICU less stressful and helping families to feel more in control of their experience.”

Co-Founder of Ickle Pickles

“Virtual tours enable families to see the environment where their infant will be cared for. This may be useful in the weeks leading up to birth, after delivery, or as part of a transfer from another hospital. In all these circumstances it is hoped that being able to look at the environment will reduce any anxiety associated with entering somewhere unfamiliar.”

Neonatal Matron at King's College Hospital

“it's the unknown”

President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)

“Maternity services are currently under huge pressure, and we are aware of staffing gaps on almost every obstetric rota in the country. The RCOG is calling for urgent investment in the maternity workforce – to ensure safe staffing levels, so that we can provide the compassionate care that women and families deserve.”

CQC's deputy director of hospitals in the West Midlands

“When we visited Birmingham Heartlands Hospital's maternity service in June, we found leaders and staff had made real and meaningful progress since our last inspection.”

chief nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

“We recognise there is more to do, plans are already in place to address these areas, and we will continue to build on the progress we have made.”