Maternity wards in England forced to turn away patients

Almost half of maternity wards in England were forced to turn away expectant mothers at least once last year, according to figures obtained by the Labour Party. More than 40 NHS trusts said they’d had to temporarily close their doors to new arrivals, blaming a lack of staff, or beds. Labour described it as “shameful” – but the Government insisted it was misleading to suggest staff shortages were to blame.