FAQs: Gloucestershire Maternity Services April 2026
We are aware that some misinformation has been shared online regarding our community transformation programme so we have produced these frequently asked questions.
The information below provides clear responses to the claims that have been made about community midwifery transformation and we will continue to review and update these as needed.
Q1: Are you closing Stroud Maternity Unit?
No. Stroud Maternity Hospital is not closing, and there are no plans to close it. Our birth unit remains available 24/7 for labour care and remains an important part of our maternity services.
Q2: Are home births or midwife‑led units safe?
Yes, for women with low‑risk pregnancies. We are continuing to strengthen guidance to support safe care, while keeping these options available.
Despite increasing complexity in maternity care, the Trust is clear that physiological birth and midwifery‑led care remain an important choice for women and part of the services we provide.
Q3: Will Stroud be open for clinics during the day only 4 days out of 7 and closed overnight?
No. Stroud will remain open during the day as normal for clinics and it will remain available 24/7 for labour care.
Q4: Would changes mean that the birth centres are not continually staffed?
Birth centres would continue to deliver the range of services as they currently do. The review of our staffing model is about ensuring safety and being able to reinstate home birth and Cheltenham Birth Unit alongside Stroud. The aim is to increase choice and access to care.
Q5: Will women have 24-hour access to all birth settings?
Yes. We want to safely reinstate home births and reopen Cheltenham to provide greater access and choice. The aim is to ensure women can choose to give birth at home, in Gloucester, Cheltenham or Stroud.
Q6: Is there a £1.2m underspend on staffing and recruitment of midwives?
No. Two years ago we were working to fill maternity vacancies and increased the total number of midwives and obstetricians in our maternity services and the budget to pay for them. In April 2024 there were 33.84 whole time equivalent vacancies, this had reduced to 11.19 whole time equivalent by March 2025. We are now fully recruited and previous underspends related to vacancies are not carried forward.
Q7: Why develop the Community Transformation Programme?
Launched in June 2025, the programme aims to improve midwife workloads, restore community birth options (including Cheltenham and home births), and improve access and experience, especially for families in rural areas.
Our commitment is that all women and birthing people in Gloucestershire should have equal access and opportunity to give birth at home or in a midwife‑led unit in Gloucester, Cheltenham or Stroud
Q8: Why hasn’t the plan been made public?
It is currently an outline proposal considering how different staffing models can improve access. It has been developed by midwives using staff views, changing service requirements as well as using evidence from the Health Needs Assessment conducted by the Integrated Care Board (ICB, who commission our services). Staff consultation begins in May. There will be opportunities for public involvement as proposals develop.
Q9: Are women’s rights and choice protected?
Yes. Care is based on informed choice and shared decision‑making. You will discuss your options and agree a birth plan with your midwife, with decisions always centred on you.
The service is designed to safely support home births and midwife‑led unit births. These changes will improve the range of choice in Gloucestershire
Q10: Is this a service reduction?
No. Our proposals increase choice for women.
Q11: Would changes mean only one community birth could happen at a time?
No. The proposal will be able to support two women in labour in a community midwifery led setting at a time. Over the last five years data shows that there are fewer than two community births on any given day, and any proposal will ensure we can support women in labour.
Q12: Can you share evidence of changing needs?
Yes. Data is publicly reported via our website, Trust Board papers and the ICB Health Needs Assessment presented at Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
| Location | Births 2019/20 | Births 2020/21 | Births 2021/22 | Births 2022/23 | Births 2023/24 | Births 2024/25 |
Births 2025/26 (April to Feb – 11 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Birth Unit | 968 | 870 | 906 | 846 | 538 | 671 | 568 |
| Stroud Maternity Unit | 248 | 196 | 157 | 105 | 113 | 94 | 73 |
| Cheltenham Birth Unit | 286 | 183 | 150 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Home Birth (Suspended Oct 25) |
157 | 174 | 187 | 150 | 106 | 71 | 28 |
Q13: Will this affect birth choices?
No. This change will increase the choices available to women in Gloucestershire. You will still be able to choose the option that’s right for you, based on your preferences and clinical advice.
Q14: Have other staffing options been explored?
Yes. Different options have been explored to find a safe and sustainable approach balanced with choice.
Q15: How can I have my say?
Updates will be shared on our Improving Our Maternity Services website. You can also share your views through the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) which provides independent representation and directly informs service design.