Birth Services to Relocate from Melton’s St Mary’s to Leicester General Hospital

Birth Services to Relocate from Melton’s St Mary’s to Leicester General Hospital

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) has officially approved the relocation of birthing services from St Mary’s Birth Centre in Melton Mowbray to the midwife-led unit at Leicester General Hospital (LGH). The decision, announced today, formally implements a strategy first outlined in the 2021 "Building Better Hospitals for the Future" consultation, ending a period of uncertainty for maternity provision in the region.

The move follows a comprehensive analysis of safety, staffing, and clinical activity. While St Mary’s has long been valued by the local community for its calm environment and high-quality postnatal support, the unit has seen a significant decline in birth numbers over several years. Data shows the centre averaged only one to two births per week, a figure that falls short of national guidance requiring consistent activity to maintain the clinical skills of midwifery teams.

Clinical safety was cited as the primary driver for the change. Maintaining a 24-hour service at a standalone unit with such low activity created immense pressure on the workforce, often requiring high levels of temporary cover. Furthermore, the financial sustainability of the model had become increasingly difficult to justify; by the 2024/25 period, the cost per birth at St Mary’s had risen to £11,928—more than double the average cost of a midwife-led birth at other University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) sites.

Despite the relocation of the birthing suites, the ICB confirmed that essential maternity support will remain within the Melton Mowbray community. Local families will continue to have access to antenatal and postnatal clinics, home visiting services, and infant-feeding support. Expectant parents in the area will still be able to choose between the midwife-led units at Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary, consultant-led care, or the Home Birth Team for those preferring to deliver at home.

The decision-making process incorporated feedback from more than 200 people, including families and staff affected by the temporary pause of services introduced in July 2025. While many shared their appreciation for the unique atmosphere at St Mary’s, they also voiced concerns regarding travel distances and the emotional impact of the closure. The ICB has shared these insights with UHL to help shape ongoing improvements to the wider maternity service.

While the original 2021 plan included the construction of a brand-new standalone unit at Leicester General Hospital, delays in national capital funding mean the service will initially transition into existing facilities at the LGH site. The ICB and UHL have pledged to work closely together to ensure a managed transition, prioritizing clear communication with families and providing dedicated support for the staff moving into new roles.

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