As the fourth anniversary of the temporary closure of the Aveta Birth Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital approaches, community anger is intensifying due to the continuing lack of a reopening date.
The unit was closed in 2022 because of staffing shortages and safety concerns. Subsequently, overnight postnatal beds at Stroud General Hospital were also shut down and remain closed. Home births were suspended in November last year amid serious safety worries tied to staff levels.
An update to the Gloucestershire County Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee revealed ongoing challenges within maternity services. Councillor Suzanne Williams highlighted the significance of reopening the unit for people in Cheltenham, emphasizing that being able to give birth locally affects both care experience and pride in place, with many preferring to have Cheltenham—not Gloucester—listed on birth certificates. This sentiment also extends to residents from the Forest of Dean.
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NHS Gloucestershire Chief Executive Sarah Truelove acknowledged the need for a realistic approach to improving maternity outcomes within existing resources, stressing the importance of engaging communities on what matters most to them.
However, councillors expressed growing impatience. Councillor Andrew Gravells described the four-year suspension as “semi-permanent,” questioning how much longer families in Cheltenham and Stroud must wait for clarity. Councillor Richard Dean called for clear progress updates and timelines for reopening.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust CEO Kevin McNamara said the closure has extended longer than hoped. He stressed the paramount importance of restoring services safely rather than rushing reopening and risking incidents. He admitted uncertainty remains over whether existing maternity service locations and models fully meet community needs.
McNamara confirmed the forthcoming “case for change” plan would be presented to the council committee in the coming months. This plan aims to outline a modern, safer, and sustainable future for maternity care but will not yet specify reopening dates. Home births will be reinstated, though no timeline was announced.
While the case for change is due in May, the committee was told it will initiate dialogue rather than provide definitive answers. Still, health leaders reaffirm their commitment to resolving the situation transparently and efficiently.