Barts Health has announced a temporary pause of births at the Barking Community Birth Centre (BCBC) from 30 June 2025. The decision and its implications were discussed at a recent meeting of the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (ONEL JHOSC) on Tuesday 8 July 2025, where it was agreed that officers would provide a written update to Councillor Ajanta Deb Roy and a verbal update to the committee at the next meeting.
The temporary pause is due to a shift in resources to the main maternity unit to ensure the safest possible care for mothers and babies. Barts Health stated that the criteria for giving birth at a standalone birth centre has become increasingly difficult to meet as more women experience complex pregnancies and require additional clinical support.
Despite the pause in births, Barts Health has confirmed that the BCBC will continue to offer over 1,000 antenatal and postnatal appointments, including check-ups, scans, and support, ensuring that families can still access regular care locally.