It is the responsibility of the local NHS to improve access to safe services and to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. 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.
Queen’s hospital in Havering caters for 7,000 births a year, with the overflow going to King George hospital in Goodmayes. NHS London is proposing to close the maternity service at King George and transfer another 3,000 births a year to Queen’s in Havering. Does the Minister share my concern that when Havering is over capacity, which it undoubtedly will be, new mothers will have to travel much further afield? Should the maternity service at King George not be retained and kept open?
I thank the hon. Lady for the way she asked her question. She will of course be aware that the birth rate in north-east London is higher than that in the rest of the country and is expected to continue to rise over the next few years. That will put increasing pressure on maternity and newborn care services. I know that the aspect of service at King George that was mentioned is being clinically considered at the moment. That is all that will happen—it is way before any consultation process will even commence. Barking will open this summer, and that will also make a difference. I am fully aware that the clinical needs and safety of mothers and babies at all times must be taken into account.