Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Oral Statement of 24 June 2026 on Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services, Official Report, column 346, whether second opinions requested under Martha’s Rule in maternity services will be provided by (a) Critical Care Outreach Teams or (b) obstetric specialists; and what steps he will take to ensure that second opinions are provided in a timely manner.

In June, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced the implementation of Martha’s Rule in all antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal inpatient maternity and neonatal settings in England, building on 15 successful pilot sites.

This is to ensure that every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

NHS England is supporting the implementation of Matha’s rule, including in maternity services.