Frequently asked questions

Aveta Update

Over the past two years, we have focused on strengthening our recruitment and retention, which has resulted in a positive increase in our midwifery and obstetrics staffing at the Trust. This has been achieved through our partnerships with a number of universities, as well as the determination of the staff across our maternity service. Many of the staff recently recruited are newly qualified and will need a significant period of further training and ongoing supervision. However, we can already see the positive impact today for mums and families, which is evidenced in the latest national maternity survey results.

Locally, we are in the process of reviewing the maternity services we deliver in Gloucestershire, including midwife-led maternity services due to a number of factors that are influencing the provision of care. A Health Needs Assessment for maternity services in Gloucestershire is underway, led by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). This will help to inform the future shape of maternity care across the county.

The needs assessment, which will include insights from families and staff, is expected to be completed later this year and will be considered alongside any recommendations coming from the national review of maternity and neonatal care announced in June 2025. Any decisions on the current temporary service changes can only take place once these two activities have been completed. Our collective goal is to ensure every family receives safe, responsive, and compassionate care, reflecting the needs of local communities.

Who can I share my experiences with?

We would recommend talking to your community midwife in the first instance. If you’d like to speak to other parents, you can do so via the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership on Facebook or instagram where key messages and information is shared, in collaboration with Gloucestershire maternity services.

For the most up to date information, please also refer to our website.

Our Patient Advice and Liaison Team is here for you to discuss any concerns or feedback you might have with your current care. You can contact them via telephone on 0800 019 3282 or email ghn-tr.pals.gloshospitals@nhs.net. PALS are available from 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

What maternity services are available in Stroud?

• Stroud Maternity Unit is open for birth as well as antenatal (pregnancy) care.
• Postnatal care continues to be available for 12 hours after birth, then you will be discharged home. If you or your baby needs ongoing postnatal support this will be provided on the Maternity Ward at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
• You can discuss a homebirth with your midwife.
• Drop-in service at Stroud Maternity offering feeding support/bathing/general support
• Signposting to community support services in the Stroud area
• The community midwifery service in Stroud remains unchanged. You will be offered home visits or the opportunity to attend a postnatal (after birth) clinic run by midwives.
• Breastfeeding support is available at the Unit.

What maternity services are available in Cheltenham?

The Cheltenham Birth Centre is temporarily closed to labour and birth but open for antenatal (pregnancy) appointments. You can also discuss a homebirth with your midwife.

Can you provide the FAQs in another language?

If English is not your first language, we can provide interpreters to support you.

Interpreters: Please speak to the staff in the ward or department you are visiting when you arrive. They can arrange for an interpreter to help you. Alternatively please contact us for further advice.

Translation: You can translate health information on this website using an online translator. Although online translators can accurately translate individual words and phrases, they may not always be able to interpret the meaning of larger or more complex pieces of information.

What if I have further questions?

Please contact us.