Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has set a provisional date of 29 September following a successful recruitment drive.

Dr Vanessa Purday, chief medical officer said: ‘We fully recognise the disruption and anxiety caused by the temporary suspension and we are grateful to women and birthing people, their families, colleagues and partners for their patience and support.

‘This is an important step forward towards restoring services closer to home and being assured of patient safety and continuity of care. We hope this provides certainty for our colleagues who work in those services, for women, birthing people and their families and the communities that rely on these services.'

The trust said the provisional date for reopening is dependent on achieving finals check of the staffing rotas, the skill mix needed across the clinical team and achieving all essential safety criteria.

A final review and formal decision to confirm reopening will take place on 14 September.

During Prime Minister's questions yesterday, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats called for the reopening of the maternity unit in days not weeks. 

The Prime Minister replied: ‘Let me give a direct answer, I will commit to reopening, but not within days, I don't think I am in a position to make that commitment today.'

Burnham said Burnham said he was aware of a long standing shortage in midwives across the country, adding the health secretary was examining this issue following the recent maternity reviews.

Director of the NHS Alliance's acute and ambulance network, Matthew Hopkins, said: 'It's good that the Prime Minister has committed to addressing the challenges facing maternity services, reinforcing the focus on these concerns outlined by the new secretary of state.

'Local health leaders are particularly worried about maintaining safe standards in smaller units, often in the face of workforce pressures and increasing intervention in childbirth.

'We want to work closely with the Government and national NHS leaders to develop solutions because there will be other cases like Barnstaple where births have had to be suspended.

'That will inevitably mean difficult but necessary decisions on changes to improve safety.'