THE ongoing 'challenging' situation means that the 'sorely missed' post-natal beds at Stroud Maternity cannot yet reopen, it can be revealed.
Six post-natal beds in Stroud have been closed since 2022 meanwhile the Cheltenham (Aveta) Birth Centre has been shut for births since the autumn of the same year.
Both measures were put in place due to midwifery staff shortages and to try and ensure there was 1:1 care in labour services across Gloucestershire.
In Stroud postnatal care for families is only available in the first 6 to 12 hours following a birth.
A document issued by the Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust this month says that while Stroud Maternity remains open for labour, births and community midwifery, the post-natal beds cannot yet reopen as the 'service remains challenging'.
Simon Opher, GP turned MP for Stroud, has been campaigning for the post-natal beds to reopen, saying they are 'sorely missed' and adding that he has been working with the trust to get them reopened.
MP Simon Opher says the post natal beds are 'missed' at Stroud Maternity Hospital, three years after they were closed (Image: Supplied)
He said: "Post-natal beds in Stroud are sorely missed.
"I am actively working with Gloucestershire NHS Trust to have these beds reopened, so local mothers and their babies can receive the care they need close to home."
Stroud Hospital's League of Friends has also been supporting labour services with a spokesperson saying that while post-natal beds are closed, women continue to receive pertinent information if Stroud is the place of birth for their babies.
They said: "We continue to follow all formal reports of the countywide context of maternity and neonatal status quo, priorities, action areas and improvements achieved within Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Cheltenham Aveta Unit and our local Stroud Maternity Unit.
"We remain involved in regular meetings, held at both GRH and Stroud Maternity Unit, with key Trust & ICB representatives along with the Lead Midwife of Stroud Maternity Unit.
"This engagement enables accurate updates to be shared with the League, regarding progress of formal requirements and the content of the Health Needs Assessment mentioned in the recent Trust Report.
"We are delighted that the refurbishment, redecoration and enhanced seating of the ward area at Stroud, funded by the League last year, prompted positive feedback from women, their partners and staff alike.
"The League continues to fund a suite of perinatal groups based within Stroud Maternity Unit & other nearby accessible locations.
"These sessions are well-attended and well-regarded both by users and the Trust.
"Finally, babies continue to be born at Stroud Maternity Unit.
"And importantly, whilst the temporary closure of postnatal beds at Stroud Maternity Unit remains the case, women continue to receive pertinent information to safely support their choice of Stroud as the place of birth for their babies."