Update on the Aveta Birth Unit at Cheltenham General
Over the past two years, we have focused on strengthening our recruitment and retention, which has resulted in a positive increase in our midwifery and obstetrics staffing at the Trust.
This has been achieved through our partnerships with a number of universities, as well as the determination of the staff across our maternity service. Many of the staff recently recruited are newly qualified and will need a significant period of further training and ongoing supervision. However, we can already see the positive impact today for mums and families, which is evidenced in the latest national maternity survey results.
Locally, we are in the process of reviewing the maternity services we deliver in Gloucestershire, including midwife-led maternity services due to a number of factors that are influencing the provision of care. A Health Needs Assessment for maternity services in Gloucestershire is underway, led by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). This will help to inform the future shape of maternity care across the county.
The needs assessment, which will include insights from families and staff, is expected to be completed later this year and will be considered alongside any recommendations coming from the national review of maternity and neonatal care announced in June 2025.
Any decisions on the current temporary service changes can only take place once these two activities have been completed. Our collective goal is to ensure every family receives safe, responsive, and compassionate care, reflecting the needs of local communities.