Government must stop maternity cuts

Don has tabled a Commons Motion calling on the Government to stop cuts to maternity services.

In September Don marched through the city with members of the National Childcare Trust to raise awareness of the shortage of midwives and to highlight the situation in Bath, which has seen the number of community midwives fall by a third from eighteen to twelve; NHS ante-natal classes stopped and post natal home visits by midwives reduced.

Commenting, Don said:

"It is scandalous that hospitals have had to cut funds for maternity services in response to deficits at a time when the birth rate has been rising year on year.

"Cuts to maternity services in Bath have been raised as a concern by many of those replying to my recent NHS Inquiry and the current situation is unacceptable.

"Childbirth is a poignant and significant time for women and it is crucial that first class services are available during and after pregnancy.

"The Government must address this problem and provide sufficient funds to ensure that every expectant mother has access to the high quality, choice led, maternity care that she deserves."

Mary Newburn, Head of Policy Research at the NCT, added:

"Making Maternity Matters [DH 2007] a reality means investing in services that support women most. 

"There is a need for greater investment in our midwifery services; to provide women with the support that suits their needs and to provide women with continuity of care in pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period, someone to rely on at every stage on their journey to becoming a parent." 

ENDS

This article published: 20/11/2023

Published by Bath Liberal Democrats, 31 James St West, Bath, BA1 2BT. Printed and hosted by JPC Infonet, 2 St Georges Works, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AA. Your Privacy.