[Sir Christopher Chope in the Chair]

Mr. McIntyre shared his personal experience of giving birth in Gloucestershire and highlighted the challenges faced by maternity services, including staffing shortages, midwives working unpaid overtime, and a lack of written discharge notes for new mothers. He also mentioned tragic deaths at Gloucestershire Royal hospital due to chronic staffing issues and raised concerns about CQC inspections that have been very concerning.

The Epsom and St Helier trust in Bobby Dean's constituency has seen its maternity services downgraded to 'requires improvement' with the safety element being inadequate due to building issues. The hospital faces challenges such as unsecured operating theatres, lack of soundproofing, and cramped conditions that affect staff morale and patient comfort. In addition to infrastructure problems, there is a shortage of qualified midwives and poor phone support for new mothers.

The MP highlighted the importance of midwifery in Gloucestershire, noting that full-time midwife posts have only risen by 7% despite a 34% increase in NHS workforce. He cited a Royal College of Midwives survey showing that nationally, midwives and maternity support workers carried out 120,000 hours of unpaid work in one week. Cameron Thomas also discussed the inspection report on Gloucestershire maternity services and called for transparency and retrospective action following an external investigation.

She highlighted the importance of childbirth as a special moment in families' lives, praising the NHS's midwives, obstetricians, and other staff for their exceptional work. Caroline noted that while centralised services offer expertise and specialist care, they can feel impersonal and remote for those living in rural areas. She expressed concern about the balance between centralisation and localisation of services and urged the Government to carefully consider the case for a midwifery centre in Cheltenham. Additionally, she raised concerns about neonatal care challenges, such as balancing risks associated with viral illnesses and hospital ward conditions.

Claire Young discussed the impact of overstretched maternity services in Gloucestershire on her constituents who access health services north of the border. She highlighted a personal experience where she had to give birth in an overwhelmed hospital, leading to significant trauma for both her and her newborn son. Ms. Young is deeply concerned about the shortage of midwives affecting Stroud maternity unit and causing extra pressure on Southmead Hospital. She emphasized the importance of continuous support by midwives during labour and proper care post-birth to ensure the well-being of mothers, babies, and their families.

Commemorates his local hospital's upgraded rating from the Care Quality Commission and notes that it is one of only nine organisations out of 131 to receive an upgrade over the last year.

Acknowledges the hard work of NHS staff, especially midwives, and highlights the unsustainable nature of overwork and unpaid hours as contributors to stress among staff. He highlighted the lack of listening to women's concerns in maternity care, pointing out that suicide is now the leading cause of death for new mothers. He also discussed the NHS's £21 billion maternity negligence care bill and raised local concerns about downgrading consultant-led services in Winchester. Chambers acknowledged the efforts made by staff at Hampshire hospitals NHS foundation trust but noted ongoing challenges.

The MP highlighted the under-investment in maternity services, citing a Care Quality Commission report indicating that 40% of maternity units require improvement and 18% are inadequate. She emphasized unsafe staffing levels as a major issue causing burnout among midwives. The need for independent whistleblowing procedures was also stressed, along with addressing unsuitable hospital buildings and the disparity in outcomes for Black and Asian women compared to white women.

Commends the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate and notes that difficulties in Gloucestershire are replicated across the UK, particularly due to understaffing, budgetary constraints, and lack of senior support. Calls for a fundamental change.

Mr. Opher highlighted the importance of midwives in maternity care and expressed concern over the lack of post-natal beds at Stroud Maternity Unit, which has resulted in lower usage despite its low intervention rates and high maternal satisfaction levels. He also questioned CQC regulations that prioritise organisational safety over maternal safety by closing post-natal beds.