Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Midwifery and Maternity Services

Tuesday 23 January 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy raised concerns about midwife shortages and the closure of birth centres due to staff shortages.
  • The Secretary of State highlighted five key actions in the long-term workforce plan to address midwife retention, including menopause guidance and valuing staff contributions.
  • Vicky Ford asked the Secretary of State to apologize to women who have waited long periods for gynaecology and obstetric care.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
NHS
Context

The Royal College of Midwives estimates a shortage of around 2,500 full-time midwives working in the NHS. Cossham Hospital in Bristol East has had its birth centre closed for most of the last few years due to lack of staffing.

Question

I am concerned about the shortage of midwives and the closure of birth centres like at Cossham Hospital in my constituency, which is due to a lack of staff. What specific steps are being taken to address the retention of midwives?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

We have prioritised retention in the long-term workforce plan with five key actions, including menopause guidance and valuing staff contributions. NHS England's three-year plan for maternity services also aims to value and support midwifery staff.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on how retention of midwives will be achieved beyond general principles

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
NHS Education
Context

Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford is a major provider of health and social care degrees, including midwives, nurses, and doctors.

Question

Will the Secretary of State support expanding the medical school at Anglia Ruskin University to train more local people for our NHS?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I thank my right hon. Friend for raising her local college, which does amazing work for the whole of the NHS as well as in her local area. I may have to retain a discreet silence over that particular application but I know if any Member is sure to advocate effectively for their local area it is my right hon. Friend.

Not addressed: Avoided directly addressing the expansion of the medical school, instead praising Anglia Ruskin University's work and not committing to supporting its expansion

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Q3 Vicky Ford Con
NHS
Context

Sandy Simmons has been waiting nearly a year for uterine prolapse surgery. In Norfolk, 905 women are still waiting more than a year for treatment.

Question

Will the Secretary of State apologise to these women who have waited long periods for gynaecology and obstetric care, or will she walk away like the Prime Minister?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I welcomed Labour candidates to the Government's women's health summit last week. We have announced a £50 million research fund into maternity disparities and female-specific conditions, and any concern she has about operation times should be taken up with the local trust.

Not addressed: Did not address apologising to women waiting for treatment or acknowledge their concerns directly

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