Relocation of birthing centre services begins

Maternity services at a birthing centre in Melton are being relocated to a nearby hospital from this week.

The relocation of antenatal and postnatal clinics from St Mary's Birth Centre to Melton Hospital began on Monday, following a decision in March to close the centre for good.

Staff at St Mary's said the dates and times of any booked appointments would remain the same but would be held at Melton Hospital.

In a statement, the centre said: "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 centre added.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), which runs the hospital, said there would be "no changes to the number or nature of our clinics and services" as part of the relocation.

"Our clinical and operational teams have worked hard to prepare the new environment, taking into consideration feedback as we have prepared for the move," they added.

UHL halted deliveries at St Mary's in July 2025 as it was struggling to maintain safe staffing levels.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB) ruled St Mary's was no longer "safe" or "sustainable" in March this year.

Parents who used the centre said at the time they were "devastated" to lose both the birthing service and postnatal in-patient ward.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.