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Written question asked by Geoffrey Cox (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Monday, 14 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Maternity Services: Devon

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) the suspension of maternity services at North Devon District Hospital and (b) travel to Exeter Hospital on expectant mothers in Torridge.

Answer

The situation in North Devon in recent weeks has been unacceptable. As the Prime Minister told the House on 2 September, we expect the situation in North Devon to be resolved in the coming weeks.

The local National Health Service trust has set out a provisional timeline for reopening birthing services which is available at the following link:

https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/maternity-and-obstetrics/nddh-birth-services-temporary-changes/


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26511
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Travel Devon North Devon Hospital Maternity services Pregnancy Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk