Edward has responded to today's announcement by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust that it is closing the highly-rated St Mary's Birth Centre in Melton Mowbray for 6 months dfue to staffing shortages.
Edward said: "This is disappointing news. While it is vital that St Mary’s Birthing Centre has the safe levels of staffing it needs, and I understand the reasons UHL have given, it is also vital they work hard to ensure this closure is genuinely only temporary. This is a much valued local service, and UHL Trust should be working to increase the amount of services provided locally in Melton, for example at Melton Hospital, rather than local people having to travel to Leicester.
As Melton’s local MP I have already spoken to Leicester Hospitals’ Chief Executive expressing my concerns at this decision, and calling on the Trust to set out a clear plan to restore staffing levels, and in the coming years to bring more services from Leicester to Melton Mowbray. I’m grateful to him that he has agreed to meet with me urgently, and I look forward to raising my concerns on behalf of local residents with him face to face in the coming days.”
