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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.


North Devon Hospital: Maternity Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions she has had with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust regarding the provision of additional resources to address shortages of senior consultants following the suspension of maternity services at North Devon District Hospital.

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
26513
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Staff Consultants North Devon Hospital Maternity services Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk