The Coastal Birthing Unit at Clacton Hospital will be temporarily closed for births from Monday 2 August to Friday 10 September while lift refurbishment work is carried out.
Antenatal and postnatal appointments will continue as normal during this time.
However, alternative arrangements can be made for anyone who may find it difficult to get to an appointment while the lift is not in use.
If a woman goes into labour while the unit is closed, they will still be able to receive care and have their baby at Colchester Hospital or at home.
Giles Thorpe is Chief Nurse at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Coastal Birthing Unit.
He said: “We are very sorry for any disruption the temporary closure may cause. We will be able to see anyone for appointments and checks at home if they’re unable to use the stairs to access the unit while this work to refurbish the lift is carried out.
“If anyone has any concerns or worries they would like to discuss, I would encourage them to please contact their midwife as normal.
“Keeping expectant parents and their babies safe remains our absolute priority.”
During the closure, babies will not be able to be brought upstairs in their prams/pushchairs for health and safety reasons.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for patience and understanding while this work is carried out.
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