Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of maternity unit closures; and what steps he is taking to prevent the closure of maternity units.

There are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care.

The Government continues to work with the National Health Service as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice, following appropriate engagement with patients and stakeholders. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients.

Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioner. Substantial planned service change should be subject to a full public consultation and should meet the Government and NHS England’s ‘tests’ to ensure good decision-making. The Government has not made an assessment of the closures to maternity services, as these are decisions best made locally.

It is right that NHS services reflect changing demographics and birth rates, to ensure resources are used efficiently. At the same time, we expect maternity providers to listen to women and ensure they are given a choice at all stages of their pregnancy.