No decision yet on reopening Cheltenham Aveta Birth Centre despite increase in midwife recruitment (Image: PA/Google Maps)

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said mothers in Cheltenham “must be heard and understood” as the town’s birth centre remains closed, with any decision on reopening delayed until spring.

The Aveta Birth Centre at Cheltenham General Hospital has been shut to labour and births since 2022, originally due to staff shortages and safety concerns.

Despite an increase in midwife numbers, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the unit will stay closed until ongoing reviews are completed.

Mr Starmer told Parliament the government’s “starting point” was to ensure that “every mother is heard and understood, and gets the quality of care that is needed”.

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