Decision details
Notice of Motion
Decision Maker: Council
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Decisions:
The Chair invited Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson to speak as the proposer of the motion.
Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson introduced the motion and paid tribute to women, babies and families who had experienced trauma, loss or unsafe care during childbirth.
Councillor Hall-Wilson explained that the motion had been prompted by the publication of the Ockenden Maternity Review and the Baroness Amos National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, including findings relating to Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Drawing on her own experiences of maternity services and discussions with local mothers and advocacy groups, she highlighted concerns regarding the need for improved triage, greater attention to women's concerns and better communication throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Councillor Hall-Wilson acknowledged the dedication of maternity staff but emphasised the need for urgent action to address longstanding issues within maternity services. She referred to the importance of reinstating home births, reopening the Aveta birthing unit in Cheltenham, maintaining 24-hour maternity services at Stroud and restoring postnatal beds. She recognised that the Council was not responsible for the provision of maternity services but stated that it had an important role in representing the views of residents and urging NHS leaders to implement the recommendations of the relevant reviews.
The Chair asked if there were any questions for clarity. No questions were raised.
The Chair sought a seconder for the motion. Councillor Dilys Neill seconded the motion and spoke in support of the recommendations. Drawing on her experience as a paediatrician, former GP and member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, she highlighted the importance of safe and compassionate maternity care and the need for women to feel listened to and supported throughout pregnancy and childbirth. She referred to the pressures facing maternity services, including workforce shortages and reduced provision outside Gloucester Royal Hospital, and emphasised the importance of effective communication between community and hospital services. She welcomed the actions arising from the Ockenden and Amos reports, including improved workforce planning, accountability, safe triage and addressing inequalities and discrimination, and particularly highlighted the need to listen to women and ensure access to second opinions where concerns remained.
The Chair moved to the debate.
The following views were expressed during the debate:
· Members expressed strong support for the motion and highlighted the importance of learning from previous failings and ensuring that improvements to maternity services were delivered. The importance of maintaining local maternity provision, including services at Stroud and Cheltenham, and providing choice in relation to place of birth was emphasised, particularly given the rural nature of the District and the distances some residents may need to travel to access services.
· Members welcomed the work already being undertaken by NHS organisations and Gloucestershire County Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee but emphasised the need for continued scrutiny and accountability. The pressures facing maternity staff, including workforce shortages and excessive workloads, were acknowledged, alongside the need to ensure that staff were adequately supported.
· The importance of listening to women and ensuring that their concerns were taken seriously was repeatedly emphasised. Members also highlighted the need for maternity services to be inclusive and accessible to all those using them and for appropriate and inclusive language to be used when discussing maternity care.
· Members also noted the wider importance of addressing inequalities in healthcare and ensuring that residents in rural areas had equitable access to safe and high-quality maternity services. The contribution of NHS staff and the dedication and professionalism of maternity teams were recognised.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, thanked Councillors Hall-Wilson and Neill for bringing forward the motion and welcomed the clear actions it proposed. He confirmed his support for the motion and advised that, if approved, he would meet with his counterpart at Gloucestershire County Council to discuss how the two councils could work together to support improvements to maternity services. He also confirmed that he would meet with the proposer and seconder in advance of those discussions to ensure their views informed the meeting.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the resolution, which was proposed by Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson and seconded by Councillor Dilys Neill. The motion was carried unanimously.
Voting record:
30 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Did not vote: Councillor Andrea Pellegram .
Publication date: 31/07/2026
Date of decision: 15/07/2026
Decided at meeting: 15/07/2026 - Council