Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jack Abbott and Karin Smyth

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jack Abbott (Ipswich) (Lab/Co-op)]

T4. East Suffolk and North Essex NHS foundation trust has made a £98 million application to the estates safety fund for a new maternity building. Our local services support the delivery of around 3,000 babies every year, but the existing building has not been fit for purpose for many years. Will the Secretary of State support our bid for a new maternity wing at Ipswich hospital, to make sure babies and families get the state-of-the-art services that they so desperately need?

[Karin Smyth]

My hon. Friend raises an excellent point about the state that these buildings were left in by the Conservative party, as Lord Darzi’s report made clear. We are investing unprecedented amounts in capital and giving greater certainty, and I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the proposal from Ipswich. It is up to local systems to come forward with plans, but I would be happy to discuss that further with my hon. Friend.