Councillors are seeking reassurances over the future of maternity services in Lichfield.
The birth centre at Samuel Johnson Community Hospital was shut in 2020 during the pandemic, with staff moving to other sites across the University Hospitals Derby and Burton Trust.
But despite the closure initially being branded as a temporary measure, the future of the Lichfield site remains uncertain.
Cllr Diane Evans, Labour representative for Boney Hay and Central, told a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee that she was concerned over the impact on local residents.
“I would not like to see the permanent closure of this service as there are a lot of women who don’t need to go to Burton or wherever because they have straightforward births.
“It is a distance for some people to travel and it isn’t much fun making that journey if you’re in labour.”
Cllr Diane Evans, Lichfield District Council
Cllr Mike Wilcox, chair of the committee and the council’s representative on Staffordshire County Council’s health and care overview and scrutiny committee, said the issue was one he had already raised.
“It is on August’s agenda to come back with a full report over what are the issues and what is the likelihood of maternity at Samuel Johnson coming back into use.
“The concern we had is that certain parts of the facilities at Burton were being developed – we did ask the question would it not have been a good idea to reopen to make sure we had cover for our residents, but they didn’t do that.
“We will make sure we continue to push and press for answers.”
Cllr Mike Wilcox, Lichfield District Council
