A VITAL service has announced it will be closing due to staffing issues. 

The Midwife led birthing unit at Braintree Community Hospital will temporarily suspend all inpatient services from August 23.

This means anyone planning to have their baby at the unit, will now have to go to Broomfield or have a home birth.

In a post on Instagram staff thanked patients for their understanding and support. 

It read: "Due to ongoing staffing issues the trust has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all inpatient services at WJC from 23rd August 2021. 

"This means we will be unable to provide labour and birth care and overnight postnatal support.

"If you were planning on having your baby with us, your options are now the midwifery led unit at Broomfield or a home birth. 

"We are still committed to offering you outpatient antenatal and postnatal appointments and an antenatal triage between 8am and 4pm. 

"Your midwife will give you more information at your appointments and this decision will be reviewed after 4 weeks. 

"Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support 💕"