Oral Answers to Questions

Yvette Cooper Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Barclay]

First, may I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who has campaigned assiduously on behalf of her constituents? She has lobbied me and the Secretary of State and made her case very powerfully to NHS leaders. There has been progress: three additional consultants have been hired and attempts made to recruit middle-ranking doctors to the trust, including from neighbouring trusts. We are making a significant capital investment in the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, and these changes must be seen in the light of that.

[Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab)]

rose—

[Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley East) (Lab)]

rose—

--- Later in debate ---

[Matt Hancock]

My right hon. Friend makes a very important point, which is that, while we drive to ensure that the NHS is prepared as possible for this winter, it is incumbent on everybody to exercise their judgment, yes, to access the NHS where it is needed and important, but also to make sure that they bear a personal responsibility, too.

[Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab)]

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust is proposing to close our midwife-led maternity unit, telling me that, while it is safe, unless it has 500 births a year, it is not value for money. Is that a new national standard for midwife maternity units, because if so it would close 90% of free-standing units? Will a Minister meet me on this matter, because it is unfair on local parents, and, frankly, we are sick and tired of losing services from our towns?

[Stephen Barclay]

I am happy to meet the right hon. Lady and to discuss the matter further.