Families advised about transfer of Melton maternity services to town hospital
Families are being advised that services are today (Monday) being relocated from St Mary’s Birth Centre to Melton Mowbray Hospital.
Anyone with appointments at the baby unit should attend the nearby hospital, off Thorpe Road, on the same day and time as originally booked.
Back in March, members of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) approved a recommendation to cease births and inpatient post-natal services at the birth centre.
The health board cited a low number of births at St Mary’s – one or two a week on average – staffing issues and increasing costs of keeping the unit going as reasons for the decision although campaigners dispute some of these points.
Expectant mothers were instead told they would have their babies at hospitals in Leicester, although the LLR ICB said ante-natal and post-natal clinics, home visiting and infant-feeding support would continue through St Mary’s Birth Centre.
But the new announcement means that the birth centre building is now permanently closed with all ante-natal and post-natal clinics to be held at the hospital instead.
A post from St Mary’s Birth Centre on its Facebook page reads: "From Monday September 28, this coming week, we begin our official relocation of services from St Mary’s Birth Centre to Melton Hospital.
"Therefore, all appointments will now be held over at Melton Hospital.
"Your booked dates and times of your original appointments will remain the same - it is purely a relocation of services only.
"We are hoping to ensure the transition is as smooth as we can possibly make it for our families however, we naturally anticipate there may be a few bumps in the road.
"Please bear with us - we will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure we iron these out as quickly as they may arise.”
The post adds: “One of our support staff will be at Melton Hospital to greet you and point you in the right direction to your midwife on each clinic day.
“Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns; 01664 854854.
"Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.”
A spokesperson for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: “There are no changes to the number or nature of our clinics and services.
“The new location is just a few minutes’ walk from the old location on the same site, and the clinics will be clearly signposted at the entrance.
"Support with wayfinding will also be available from volunteers or reception staff.
"Our clinical and operational teams have worked hard to prepare the new environment, taking into consideration feedback as we have prepared for the move.
"We are confident the new facilities will provide a suitable environment for the high-quality care our colleagues continue to deliver for patients.
“If you have an outpatient appointment with our ante-natal or post-natal team and have any questions about the change of location, please contact the team.”
The closure of St Mary’s Birth Centre comes after the service was rated ‘good’ on all key performance indicators in its latest CQC inspection in 2023.
In contrast, failings were reported at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General, where Melton’s main maternity services have been relocated to.