Potential permanent closure of local birthing services

An invitation from Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Integrated Care Board to complete a survey regarding the potential closure of birthing services at Stafford and Lichfield

We would like to hear from as many people as possible during a12-week public consultation, which will run from 12 May to 3 August 2025. Anyone is welcome to take part, but we’d especially welcome views from people who are planning a pregnancy or currently pregnant, have recently become parents, or have used maternity services in the last few years.

We’re consulting on a proposal to permanently close the birthing services at two freestanding midwife-led birthing units (FMBUs). These are at County Hospital, Stafford, and Samuel Johnson Community Hospital, Lichfield.

The birthing services have been temporarily closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, although the units are open for antenatal and postnatal care.

To read more about the FMBUs and the proposal, visit our consultation page or download the consultation document – which is also available as an easy read.

Please use the following link to access more information and the survey:

staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk/midwife-led-birthing-units/