THE number of births at two hospitals have fallen over the past four years.

The figures emerged in a report into maternity services run by Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust being discussed at a board meeting tomorrow.

The report has highlighted work which has been done to increase birth numbers so the trust can provide a sustainable service in the future.

It revealed overall births at the trust dropped by 12 per cent from 5826 in 2012 to 5093 in 2016.

Worthing Hospital recorded 2,381 births in 2016, a drop of 16 per cent.

St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester reported a nine per cent fall with 2,712 births.

The report said the decline had been more pronounced than the overall national decline in births of three per cent.

It said there were several possible reasons for changes in birth rates, including the ages when women choose to have children, the economic climate and government policy which can influence decisions on whether or not have a child.

However the report said a growing number of women living outside of the hospital trust’s catchment area were choosing to come to Worthing or Chichester to give birth.

It also said the population of West Sussex is forecast to rise, with new housing developments expected to bring more young couples and families to the area.

The report said: “Although the reduction seen in the birth rate since 2012 raises the question about sustainability, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the need to redesign services.

“The national projection appears to imply a modest rise in births being expected over the coming years.

“The trust booking data for does not imply a further reduction being expected in 2017/18, but this will be monitored on a monthly basis.”

Work to help improve the long term future of both units has including introducing a system where women at low risk of complications are induced as an outpatient.

The report said most women liked the option and it has been particularly popular with women who have other children so they can stay with their family for longer rather than be admitted.

The move helps reduce demand for beds in maternity units and also gives women more choice.

A review of the midwifery workforce has also led to a reduction in the required numbers of staff.

This does not affect the midwife to birth ratio and has been managed by not replacing people who have retired or left the trust.

In the long term economic plan for the Coastal West Sussex region, there could be a further 46,000 residents by 2024.

Most of the population growth is expected to be in Arun and Chichester.