House of Lords written question – answered at on 11 June 2007.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is standard practice for National Health Service hospitals to operate a quota system for the taking on of new maternity cases according to the expected birth date; and
On what geographical basis National Health Service hospitals take on new maternity cases; and
Where expectant mothers are able to give birth if, once being referred back to their general practitioner, a place at a local hospital cannot be found for them; and
How far they require expectant mothers to travel in order to give birth if their local hospital is no longer taking on maternity patients.
Local National Health Service organisations in England are responsible for the development of maternity services. The 2007-08 NHS operating framework requires them to undertake reviews of their maternity services, identify the gaps and barriers to service development and set out their local strategy for delivery of the recommendations in Maternity Matters—Choice, Access and Continuity of Care in a Safe Service, published on
Distance should not be the only factor, as safety, risk and travelling times are equally important. Wherever women have their babies, the local maternity network will ensure easy access to, and transfer between, all levels of care in a responsive and timely manner.
Yes1 person thinks so
No1 person thinks not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.