NCL ICB published a detailed decision-making business case in advance of a formal meeting of Board members of NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board and NHS England (Specialised Commissioning) on Tuesday 25 March.

At the meeting, which was held in public, leaders discussed the recommendations put forward for the future shape of maternity and neonatal services across north central London. 

Recommendations, now agreed, include:

• maternity and neonatal services to be consolidated onto four hospital sites, Barnet Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital, University College London Hospital, and Whittington Hospital. Current maternity and neonatal services at Royal Free Hospital will eventually close. 
• all four hospitals to provide at least level 2 neonatal care, and both obstetric and midwifery led maternity care. Home births will also continue to be available across North Central London.  
• an additional £67million of capital investment to improve the quality of the estate across North Central London’s Integrated Care System maternity and neonatal services.  
• the birthing suites at Edgware Birth Centre to close and expanded antenatal and postnatal care to be provided at the site.  

What this means for service users

NCL ICB would like to reassure all local communities that Royal Free London's (RFL) maternity and neonatal services are open as usual and that there are no immediate changes to the care provided.

RFL continues to offer safe, high-quality services and patients with upcoming appointments at the Royal Free Hospital or Edgware Birth Centre should continue to attend.

Please advise those visiting your practice that RFL services are open and that they are able to book to have their baby at both sites.

For further details, you can read the decision-making business case on the NCL ICB website.

Find out more about the Start Well programme.

This item was updated on 2 May 2025 to reflect the revised message to service users.