Birth Services to Relocate from Melton’s St Mary’s to Leicester General Hospital

Birth Services to Relocate from Melton’s St Mary’s to Leicester General Hospital

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) has officially approved the relocation of birthing services from St Mary’s Birth Centre in Melton Mowbray to the midwife-led unit at Leicester General Hospital (LGH). The decision, announced today, formally implements a strategy first outlined in the 2021 "Building Better Hospitals for the Future" consultation, ending a period of uncertainty for maternity provision in the region.

The move follows a comprehensive analysis of safety, staffing, and clinical activity. While St Mary’s has long been valued by the local community for its calm environment and high-quality postnatal support, the unit has seen a significant decline in birth numbers over several years. Data shows the centre averaged only one to two births per week, a figure that falls short of national guidance requiring consistent activity to maintain the clinical skills of midwifery teams.

Clinical safety was cited as the primary driver for the change. Maintaining a 24-hour service at a standalone unit with such low activity created immense pressure on the workforce, often requiring high levels of temporary cover. Furthermore, the financial sustainability of the model had become increasingly difficult to justify; by the 2024/25 period, the cost per birth at St Mary’s had risen to £11,928—more than double the average cost of a midwife-led birth at other University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) sites.

Despite the relocation of the birthing suites, the ICB confirmed that essential maternity support will remain within the Melton Mowbray community. Local families will continue to have access to antenatal and postnatal clinics, home visiting services, and infant-feeding support. Expectant parents in the area will still be able to choose between the midwife-led units at Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary, consultant-led care, or the Home Birth Team for those preferring to deliver at home.

The decision-making process incorporated feedback from more than 200 people, including families and staff affected by the temporary pause of services introduced in July 2025. While many shared their appreciation for the unique atmosphere at St Mary’s, they also voiced concerns regarding travel distances and the emotional impact of the closure. The ICB has shared these insights with UHL to help shape ongoing improvements to the wider maternity service.

While the original 2021 plan included the construction of a brand-new standalone unit at Leicester General Hospital, delays in national capital funding mean the service will initially transition into existing facilities at the LGH site. The ICB and UHL have pledged to work closely together to ensure a managed transition, prioritizing clear communication with families and providing dedicated support for the staff moving into new roles.

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Shape the Future of Your Town Uppingham Seeking New Parish Councillor

Shape the Future of Your Town Uppingham Seeking New Parish Councillor

Uppingham Town Council has officially announced a vacancy for a Parish Councillor and is inviting passionate local residents to step forward and represent their community. This co-option opportunity offers a unique platform for individuals to have a direct say in local decision-making and contribute to the ongoing development of Uppingham.

Serving as a Parish Councillor is an impactful way to get involved in the heart of the community. From managing local amenities and green spaces to commenting on planning applications and supporting community initiatives, councillors play a vital role in ensuring Uppingham remains a vibrant and well-managed town. It is an ideal role for those who are driven to make a tangible difference and want to advocate for the needs of their neighbours.

To be eligible for the role, applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be a registered elector in the parish.

Have lived in or near the parish (within three miles) for the last 12 months.

Have had their main place of work in the parish for the last 12 months.

Have owned property or land in the parish for the last 12 months.

How to Apply

The Council is looking for enthusiastic individuals who can bring fresh perspectives to the table. Interested residents are asked to submit a short statement outlining their background and their motivations for wanting to join the council.

Applications and inquiries should be directed to the Town Clerk, Adam Lowe:

Email: townclerk@uppinghamtowncouncil.co.uk

Telephone: 01572 822681

The closing date for applications is 30th April 2026.

If you have ever felt that you have ideas to improve the town or simply want to ensure that Uppingham continues to thrive, this is your chance to step up and serve your community.

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Why the Best Time to Talk About Death is While You’re Living Well

Why the Best Time to Talk About Death is While You’re Living Well

It is a conversation most of us spend our lives avoiding. We treat end-of-life planning as a task for the "someday" pile—something to be addressed when we are much older or when a crisis forces our hand. However, the charity Dying Matters Rutland is challenging that mindset with a simple, powerful truth: end-of-life planning isn’t actually for the dying. It is for the living.

The most vital thing any of us can do is talk. While death is never an easy subject, open communication serves as a gift to those we love. Often, we only confront our mortality during life’s hardest moments following a significant diagnosis, when a relative enters care, or while standing at a funeral. In these moments, emotions are raw and the weight of grief makes difficult decisions feel even heavier. By waiting until "the end" is near, we miss the opportunity to approach the subject with the clarity and lightness it deserves.

Planning for the inevitable while it still feels like a distant prospect allows for a much gentler entry into the conversation. It starts with the "light" stuff: sharing your bucket list, debating outrageous funeral music, or laughing about how you want to be remembered. Starting early means these conversations can evolve naturally over time, and even if your plans change later on, the foundation of understanding is already built. When you let those close to you know your thoughts and wishes well in advance, you remove the burden of guesswork from their shoulders during their time of greatest loss.

Dying Matters Rutland aims to bridge the gap between the fear of the unknown and the peace of being prepared. Their mission is to help people "get their affairs in order" early, so they can get back to the more important business of living well and enjoying life. Whether it is providing ideas for early planning, offering guidance on what to expect in the final weeks of life, or supporting the bereaved through their dedicated Help Points, the charity provides a roadmap for every stage of the journey.

Ultimately, losing a loved one is an inescapable pain. However, that pain is eased when a family knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are fulfilling their loved one’s true wishes. By making those plans today, you ensure that your final chapter is written in your own words, allowing your family to focus on connection rather than logistics.

To learn more about how to start your own conversation, visit the Dying Matters website at www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com or attend the free "Dead Easy" event. It is the simplest way to ensure that when the time comes, everything is handled with the care and dignity you deserve.

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Fifty Years of Footsteps Capturing the Living History of the Viking Way

Fifty Years of Footsteps Capturing the Living History of the Viking Way

For half a century, the Viking Way has served as a silent witness to the changing face of the English countryside. Stretching 149 miles from the banks of the Humber to the market town of Oakham, this storied path has seen countless walkers cross its stiles and traverse its ridges. Now, as the route approaches its 50th anniversary, Lincolnshire County Council is making an open call to the public to help preserve the human side of this historic trail.

The Viking Way was officially established in 1976 through a collaborative effort between the Ramblers and the county councils of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Humberside. Its name is a tribute to the region’s deep-rooted history; in the late 9th century, this land sat at the heart of the Danelaw, a period when Viking influence reshaped the culture and geography of the historic Mercia region. Today, the trail offers a breathtaking tour of this legacy, winding through the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, the ancient Limewoods, and the elevated cliff villages south of Lincoln.

However, the council believes the true story of the Viking Way isn't found in its maps or its Norse origins, but in the memories of those who have walked it. They are inviting hikers, families, and casual strollers to share their personal photos and anecdotes from across the last five decades. The project aims to collect these "small but significant" moments to create a vibrant tapestry of the trail’s impact on local life.

The call for contributions is remarkably inclusive. You don’t need to have conquered the full 149-mile trek to take part; the council is just as interested in the short, local walks that have become part of a family’s routine or a quiet moment of beauty found during a weekend stroll. Whether it was a significant personal anniversary celebrated on the path, a rare wildlife sighting in the Kesteven Uplands, or a childhood memory of a muddy hike near Belchford, every story serves to capture the unique spirit of the route.

The ultimate goal of this celebration is twofold: to document the heritage of the path since the mid-70s and to inspire a new generation of explorers to experience the landscape for themselves. By sharing these memories, contributors are helping to ensure that the Viking Way remains more than just a line on a map, but a living, breathing part of the community.

Anyone with a story to tell or a photograph to share is encouraged to visit the "Let’s Talk Lincolnshire" website to submit their piece of history. As the Viking Way hits its half-century milestone, your memories will help define what the next fifty years of the trail will look like.

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