SOME services at Stroud Maternity Hospital have been temporarily suspended due to 'ongoing staffing challenges'.

Provision of postnatal beds has been suspended.

This means beds will only be available for six hours following a birth.

New mums requiring extra postnatal care will be offered the option of home visits or will need to attend another centre.

"We want to clarify the current position about postnatal beds at Stroud Maternity," said a spokesperson for the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

"In response to continuing staffing challenges, many people may be aware that we have taken the difficult decision to suspend the provision of postnatal beds at Stroud Maternity.

"This ensures that we can maintain the Stroud birthing service and continue to provide one-to-one care in labour at all times.

"This is a short-term measure only and will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

"Stroud remains open for labour and births.

"Postnatal care for families who have their babies at Stroud continues to be available in the first six hours following birth in the unit. 

"The community midwifery service in Stroud remains unchanged.

"Families are offered home visits or the opportunity to attend a postnatal clinic run by midwives in the postnatal period.

"We reiterate our commitment to the long-term future of maternity services at the unit."

Commenting on the situation, Labour Party candidate for the Stroud constituency Dr Simon Opher said: "It does not make sense to close post-natal care at Stroud Maternity Unit for the want of two midwives.

"The unit is such a vital part of our community."