Melton birthing services to relocate

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) has today published

the report on the future of maternity services at St Mary’s Birth Centre in Melton Mowbray

following engagement with women, families and staff.

Births and inpatient postnatal care at St Mary’s have been paused since July 2025 due to very low birth numbers and fragile staffing, according to the report, which meant safe 24/7 midwifery cover could not be maintained. The report outlines the implications of these pressures and sets out a recommendation to implement the 2021 consultation decision to relocate services from the unit within current national constraints.

The Board will consider the recommendations in light of the feedback received and the

information outlined in the report and make its final decision at its public meeting at Melton

Borough Council offices on March 19th.

The report recommends that the Board approve the relocation of intrapartum services from St Mary’s Birth Centre to the MidwiferyLed Unit at LGH, (in line with the original 2021 decision on maternity services, as far as possible, and in a safe, sustainable and fair way.

The move comes as part of a broader review of maternity services aimed at improving safety, workforce resilience, and the efficiency of NHS resources. Postnatal inpatient care at St Mary’s will cease, citing increasing staffing pressures and sustainability concerns. However, antenatal and postnatal clinics, home-visiting services, and infant-feeding support in Melton will continue to operate, ensuring local families maintain continuity of care.

The consequence of this decision will also cease the provision of postnatal inpatient

services at St Mary’s Birth Centre in Dee Close off Thorpe Road.

A spokesperson said, “This configuration allows us to deliver safer care, better support our workforce, and use NHS resources more efficiently, while ensuring families continue to receive personalised care.”

The LLR ICB is the NHS organisation responsible for planning, arranging and ensuring the

availability and quality of health services to local people.

To observe the meeting, please email llricb-llr.enquiries@nhs.net before 12pm on Tuesday 17 March 2026. Places will be allocated on a first‑come basis to ensure compliance with venue health and safety requirements, including room capacity.

If you have questions relating to items on the agenda, please submit them in writing in advance to llricb-llr.enquiries@nhs.net.

Questions received after 5pm on Monday 16 March 2026 may not be considered. Observers are not permitted to take part in the discussion or ask questions during the meeting.