Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps to help ensure the return of maternity and children’s services to the Alexandra hospital in Redditch.

• I know that my honourable friend has campaigned tirelessly on this issue on behalf of her constituents.

• As a result, she will understand that the decisions about the reconfiguration of services are made locally, following appropriate engagement with people and communities.

• However I am pleased to say that by working with the local NHS, we have invested £18 million in the hospital’s operating theatre and secured a long-term workforce pipeline through the Three Counties Medical School.