Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Rutland Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd July 2024 Commons Chamber

[Wes Streeting]

I am proud that the Deputy Prime Minister will be delivering the commitment to build 1.5 million new homes. It is absolutely vital that the infrastructure needed is delivered alongside those new homes, and we and other colleagues across Government will be working very closely with the Deputy Prime Minister to make sure that the social infrastructure is also provided.

[Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Lab)]

T3. Last week, Worthing hospital came close to having to consider downgrading its maternity services due to a shortage of specialist neonatal nurses and midwives. Will the Minister please update the House on the Government’s plans to build an NHS that is fit for the future, including by addressing staffing shortages?

[Karin Smyth]

I welcome my hon. Friend to the House. He makes an incredibly important point about this very stressful time, particularly for women, in his area. We will listen to women and deliver evidence-based improvements to make maternity and neonatal services safer and more equitable for women and their babies, and we have committed to delivering the long-term workforce plan.