Pregnancy epidural service opens at Cumberland Infirmary
An epidural service for women in labour has been launched at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
Labour epidurals involve inserting a small plastic tube into the woman's back, which is then used to deliver medication to relieve pain throughout labour.
The tube can only be inserted by a suitably trained anaesthetist, and up until now the service has only been available at the West Cumberland Hospital, in Cumbria.
North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust says it's been pushing to provide the service since the Care Quality Commission inspection in 2014.
It hasn't happened so far because of staff shortages in anaesthesia, but the Trust says despite staffing remaining a challenge, they're now able to offer epidurals.
Who can have an epidural?
Women considering requesting an epidural should note that their availability depends on how busy the delivery suite or anaesthetist is, and there may be occasions when it is not possible to offer the service.
Most women in labour are eligible to have an epidural if they wish but there may be certain conditions and complications of pregnancy that mean an epidural is not a suitable option.
People are currently being asked to complete a survey on maternity services in Cumbria.
The findings of the survey will be shown to an implementation team, who are currently considering the feasibility of keeping consultant-led maternity services at the West Cumberland Hospital.