Maternity Services

Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 23 June 2009.

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Photo of Adam Holloway Adam Holloway Conservative, Gravesham 2:30, 23 June 2009

What his latest assessment is of the performance of maternity services in (a) Gravesham and (b) England.

Photo of Ann Keen Ann Keen Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Health

In 2008, the Healthcare Commission published "Towards better births: A review of maternity services in England", which assessed the quality, capability and efficiency of maternity services in England. We have always put safety and high-quality care for mothers and babies at the heart of our vision for maternity services, and nine out of 10 women are pleased with the care that they have received.

Photo of Adam Holloway Adam Holloway Conservative, Gravesham

At various times, the Government have pledged that women will be able to choose where they give birth. Is the Minister confident that the Government will hit that target? If they have not done so yet, when will they be able to do it?

Photo of Ann Keen Ann Keen Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Health

We are working towards that target. We have had an unprecedented rise in the birth rate, and we had a midwife recruitment problem. We have now reached 1,000 and are working towards the extra 4,000, along with the Royal College of Midwives. The situation varies around the country, but I repeat that the safety of mothers and babies is paramount.