Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Maternity Services

Tuesday 5 December 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Feryal Clark raised concerns about insufficient post-birth GP checks for mothers, missing vital health diagnoses and support.
  • The Minister announced plans to roll out perinatal pelvic health services across England by March 2023.
  • The Minister highlighted an increase in midwives by 14% since 2010, with 3,650 more training places added.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

The MP noted ongoing issues with maternity services across England, including scandals in East Kent, Nottingham, and Morecambe Bay. Care Quality Commission inspections downgraded two-thirds of units as dangerously substandard, highlighting staff shortages.

Question

Women continue to be failed by maternity services across England, highlighted by scandals in East Kent, Nottingham, and Morecambe Bay. CQC inspections have downgraded many units, branding them as dangerously substandard with significant staff shortages. What additional steps is the Minister taking to ensure women and their babies are safe in these services? Can she confirm if Kirkup and Ockenden reviews recommendations were fully implemented?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

The hon. Lady mentioned three inquiries: Ockenden (2000-2019), Kirkup (2009-2020), and Morecambe Bay (2004-2013). We are increasing midwives by 14% since 2010, with 3,650 more training places. Introduced the maternity disparities taskforce for poor outcomes groups and a support programme for poorly inspected trusts—32 currently involved.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly confirm full implementation of Ockenden and Kirkup reviews recommendations

How: We Are Increasing Midwives And Training Places

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Q2 Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

A survey by Mumsnet found one in five mothers not offered six-week post-birth GP checks, leading to undiagnosed physical and mental health issues. The Women's Health Strategy needs to include birth trauma support.

Question

As the chair of the all-party parliamentary group for birth trauma, I commissioned a survey finding that 20% of mothers are not receiving six-week post-birth GP checks, missing vital diagnoses and support for physical and mental health issues. Will my hon. Friend ensure that all mums receive these checks, and include birth trauma in the women's health strategy update?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

We are rolling out perinatal pelvic health services across England by March 2023 and obstetric anal sphincter injury bundles to reduce tears. Birth trauma will be covered in the women's health strategy, but we are making progress beyond that.

Answered
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Q3 Theo Clarke
NHS
Context

The CQC reports almost two-thirds of England's maternity units as inadequate or requiring improvement in safety. There is a need to recruit more midwives and improve their retention.

Question

Almost two-thirds of England's maternity services are rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission due to staff shortages, despite repeated calls for better recruitment and retention policies. Mothers, especially from BAME groups, do not get safe care. What plan does the Minister have to properly improve maternity care?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

The number of midwives has increased by 14% since 2010 with 3,650 more training places. A maternity support programme is providing intensive support for the 32 poorly inspected trusts. The hon. Member should speak to colleagues in Wales where similar issues exist.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address recruitment and retention policies specifically asked about

How: We Have Increased Midwives And Training Places

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Q4 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead
NHS
Context

The CQC reports significant issues with maternity services in England, including inadequate ratings for safety and staffing shortages. The government has been urged to take action.

Question

CQC reports that two-thirds of England's maternity units are rated inadequately or needing improvement due to safety concerns, up from 55% last year. We have repeatedly called for more midwives and better retention policies. As a result of ministerial failure, mothers do not receive the safe care they deserve. What is the Minister's plan to improve this?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

Midwife numbers have increased by 14% since 2010, with an additional 3,650 training places. A support programme is assisting the 32 poorly inspected trusts, but hon. Member should engage with ministerial colleagues in Wales for similar issues there.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures addressing current CQC ratings and recommendations from previous reviews

How: We Have Increased Midwives And Training Places

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