Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 9 January 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Care (East Cheshire)

Question: I am surprised that my namesake did not refer to maternity services, because they are the subject of my question. Is the Minister aware that birth rates in east Cheshire, which is served by the Macclesfield district general hospital, have increased for three years in a row? Women are opting to come to Macclesfield, in increasing numbers, to have their babies. Does she not agree that if women show that preference, it is essential to keep in-patient paediatrics, maternity, obstetrics and other children’s services in the Macclesfield district general hospital, in accordance with that decision? Will she ensure that those services in the hospital, which serves a predominantly rural area, are fully, properly and fairly funded?

Answer: I was not aware of the massive increase in the birth rate that has taken place, but I am now. I also know that the PCT is exploring the possibility of linking some of the maternity and paediatric services in the Cheshire area. Obviously, in doing so, the PCT will have to satisfy the strategic health authority that it is meeting clinical standards, such as those set by the Royal College of Midwives, and can still provide a full range of local services. I understand that the hon. Gentleman is meeting Mike Farrar, the chief executive of the North West strategic health authority, on 12 January, and I am sure that he will make his views clear at that meeting.

Secondary information