Agenda item

The Chief Nursing Officer for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and Northamptonshire Integrated Care Boards submits a report to update the commission on the decision to pause births and postnatal inpatient services at St Mary’s Birth Centre (SMBC) in July 2025 consultation and engagement process.

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) provided the Committee with an update outlining engagement activity, background context and next steps in relation to St Mary’s Birth Centre. The following was noted:

·       The full report would be considered by the ICB Board on 19th March, ahead of the final decision.

·       The findings of the 2021 consultation regarding maternity configuration at Leicester General Hospital and Melton were referenced.

·       Long standing challenges relating to St Mary’s were highlighted, including low activity levels, workforce pressures and compliance with national maternity safety standards.

·       Fewer than 1% of births across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland had taken place at St Mary’s, with 92 births recorded in the year prior to closure.

·       Challenges in safely staffing the unit were outlined, including the need to meet national guidance and maintain an appropriate skill mix.

·       National changes and delays to the New Hospital Programme had impacted delivery of the planned new maternity hospital at Leicester Royal Infirmary, and overall birth numbers had continued to decline.

·       The option to relocate services to Leicester General Hospital was referenced, alongside the continued availability of local antenatal and postnatal provision in Melton Mowbray.

·       Engagement activity had taken place with women who were pregnant or considering birth between July 2025 and September 2026.

·       Engagement had been extended between January 2021 and July 2025 and had included online focus groups, direct discussions and engagement with student midwives.

·       Feedback received had covered themes including geography, communication, personal experience of care and understanding of maternity pathways.

·       Feedback would be used to inform the Board report ahead of the decision in March.

In discussion with Committee Members and Officers, the following was noted:

·       Members sought clarification on the number of responses received as part of the engagement process, particularly given the questionnaire closing date, and were advised that this would be reflected within the full Board report.

·       It was suggested that historically St Mary’s may not have been promoted consistently, and questions were raised regarding how birth options were presented to expectant mothers and whether engagement methods, including social media, had effectively reached younger women. It was explained that midwives were encouraged to promote appropriate birth settings and that discussions with women formed part of individualised maternity pathways.

·       Clarification was requested regarding the geographical distribution of women who had given birth at St Mary’s. It was reported that approximately 31.5% were from LE13 or LE14 postcodes, with others choosing alternative units or home birth.

·       Concern was expressed that the Committee had not received the full Board report ahead of the ICB decision date and that a number of detailed questions remained outstanding, including matters relating to workforce and previous clinical ratings. In response, it was stated that staffing requirements were linked to national maternity guidance, that birth complexity had increased across the system, and that compliance with safe staffing standards remained a key consideration.

·       Members questioned how the 2021 consultation had informed the current position and whether circumstances had materially changed since that time. It was acknowledged that delays to the New Hospital Programme and wider national developments had impacted delivery of the original proposals, and that financial constraints meant previously anticipated capital funding was no longer available.

·       Concerns were raised regarding travel times from Melton to Leicester hospitals, ambulance access routes and the potential impact on families without private transport, alongside wider pressures within primary care and housing growth in the Melton area. It was confirmed that equality and quality impact assessments had been undertaken and that issues relating to access and travel had been considered as part of the decision making process.

·       Members asked what alternative recruitment options had been explored to sustain the service and whether more experienced staff could have been appointed. It was reported that recruitment campaigns had been undertaken without sufficient response, that newly qualified midwives required further experience before working in standalone units, and that strengthening home birth services and community support formed part of the wider maternity model.

·       Discussion took place regarding patient choice for low risk women and the proportion currently classified as category 1 and 2 risk, which was reported as approximately 25%. It was noted that not all counties operated standalone birth centres and that home birth remained an available option within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

·       Members emphasised the importance of equity across the wider birthing population of approximately 9,500 births per year and the need to balance resource allocation across the system. It was acknowledged that the issue was deeply emotional for families and communities.

·       Members requested clarification regarding public involvement arrangements for the March ICB meeting and suggested that scrutiny may wish to consider further examination of the decision and timeline. The Chair acknowledged the strength of feeling expressed and confirmed that where genuine concerns regarding access, safety or service provision were identified, it would be appropriate for the Committee to consider how these could be incorporated into the ongoing maternity scrutiny work programme in a structured and evidence led manner.

The Chair responded directly to Brenda Worrals question:

“Has Councillor Helen Cliff’s updated briefing paper on St Mary’s birth centre been considered by the Committee?”

The Chair responded to a public question regarding whether Councillor Helen Cliff’s updated briefing paper on St Mary’s Birth Centre had been considered by the Committee. The Chair confirmed that the paper had not yet been formally considered, as items must be submitted and scheduled through the agreed work programme. The Chair further confirmed that where there were genuine concerns regarding access, safety or service provision, it would be appropriate for the Committee to examine these, and officers would review the paper to advise how it may be incorporated into the maternity scrutiny work in a structured and evidence led way.

RECOMMENDATION:

Councillor Haq, seconded by Councillor Sahu, moved that the Integrated Care Board defer the decision scheduled for 19th March 2026 to allow further time to consider the decision, the proposed timeline, and the options for maternity care for women across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, including provision at Leicester General Hospital and women’s choice of care.

The ICB was asked to note this recommendation.

AGREED:

1.     That the Committee note the report.

2.     The Committee asks the ICB to consider the above recommendation.

3.     That an update on the current position is brought to the next meeting on 30^th April 2026.