Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Maternity Services: North-west 2026-07-14

Tuesday 14 July 2026 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Elsie Blundell asked about steps to improve maternity services in the north-west based on Baroness Amos's and Donna Ockenden's recommendations.
  • The government will create a national action plan by year-end, establish a statutory commissioner, and invest 186 million to enhance services.
  • Andrew Snowden inquired about concrete steps to improve Blackpool Victoria hospital's maternity services, emphasizing the need for consistent care.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Elsie Blundell Lab
NHS
Context

The MP notes significant failures in maternity care and their impact on women, families, and staff. The recent Baroness Amos report highlighted these issues.

Question

What steps are being taken to improve maternity services in the north-west? I am concerned about the devastating impact of failures in maternity care and want to know what reforms are being implemented based on the recommendations from Baroness Amos and Donna Ockenden. We need a national action plan by the end of the year, a statutory commissioner for maternity and neonatal services, extended Martha's rule, and £186 million investment.

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

We know of the devastating impact of failures in maternity care. We will reform services based on Baroness Amos's recommendations, create a national action plan by year-end, establish a statutory commissioner, extend Martha's rule for family concerns to be heard, and invest £186 million to improve estates.

Answered
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Q2 Elsie Blundell Lab
Women & Equalities
Context

The Baroness Amos report revealed shocking findings about failures in maternity and neonatal care, affecting many families across the country.

Question

Given the appalling findings from the Baroness Amos report, what steps will be taken to ensure that women's voices are heard, especially those in the north-west who have been overlooked? How will this look in practice?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

The shocking findings from Baroness Amos's report require action. A new national action plan will be created by year-end, with families at its heart. The taskforce will define the role of the maternity commissioner to ensure women are heard.

Answered
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Q3 Andrew Snowden Con
NHS
Context

Blackpool Victoria Hospital has faced two inspections by the Care Quality Commission, resulting in “Inadequate” and “Requires improvement”. Staffing and care were cited as particular concerns.

Question

Can the Minister provide reassurance about the improvements being sought for Blackpool Victoria hospital's maternity services? We are all aware of how frightening it is to go into such services during pregnancy, especially with complications. What concrete steps will be taken?

Answer from Preet Kaur Gill

We want to improve healthcare services across the country. We are modernising the regulatory framework for UK professionals and meeting representatives of the General Medical Council. It is important to ensure consistency of care throughout Blackpool and beyond.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for improvements in Blackpool Victoria hospital's maternity services were not provided.

How: Changing Subject, General Principles

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