TEN years ago hospital campaigners celebrated a momentous day after health chiefs agreed to scrap plans to close Stroud Maternity Hospital.

Executives made an about-turn voting unanimously to keep the unit open at a meeting of the three Gloucestershire primary care trusts responsible for the county’s hospitals.

Their announcement came after Gloucestershire County Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee, which acted as a watchdog for the local NHS, rejected the proposal to close the unit.

“All the sleepless nights and all the anti-social hours that we have put in on evenings and weekends have all been worth it,” said Graham Harbord, chairman of the campaigning group Stroud Maternity Matters.

And David Miller, chairman of the League of Friends of Stroud Hospital, said: “It’s really great news for our community and the young families in Gloucestershire.”

NHS spokesperson Ruth FitzJohn said the trust had listened to public opinion before making a decision.

The news came after a summer of frantic campaigning which included a 3,500 strong march in Westminster to protest against the closure plans.

Health workers and politicians spoke of their delight after the news.

Midwife Caroline Saturley, midwife and member of Maternity Matters, said: “We are really happy for our patients.

“It is a triumph for the families of Stroud and for midwife-led care.”