Gloucestershire Daily
NEW

Concerns Rise Over Increased Travel for Midwives in Gloucestershire’s New 24/7 Maternity Callout Service Plan

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 maternity midwives gloucestershire childbirth healthcare homebirths travel safety nhs services

Plans to reshape maternity services across Gloucestershire have sparked concerns over increased travel demands on midwives. Hospital leaders are working to safely reopen the maternity unit at Cheltenham General Hospital and restore the county’s home births service later this year, after the unit’s temporary closure in April 2022 due to safety concerns and the suspension of home births last November. For over four years, expectant mothers in Gloucestershire have faced limited birthing options, causing significant frustration.