File picture of a newborn baby

Concerns over delays to the reopening of Cheltenham’s maternity unit have been raised in Parliament by town MP Max Wilkinson .

The Liberal Democrat is concerned that talks on reopening the Aveta Birth Centre would not begin until next spring – almost four years after the unit was closed ‘temporarily’ for labour and births.

Hospital chiefs say maintaining safety for women, families and maternity staff is essential and will be a critical factor in any decision.

A local maternity health needs assessment is underway to help health bosses better understand how they can meet the needs of mums, babies and families in Gloucestershire.

Mr Wilkinson has repeatedly pressed locally and nationally on the subject of maternity services and supporting local NHS se

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