Why MPs have been urged to ‘grasp the nettle’ over NHS maternity changes

• Up to 20 consultant-led maternity units in England may need to close or change their role to keep women and babies safe amid staff shortages, an NHS leader has warned.
• Matthew Hopkins, acute care director at the NHS Alliance, urged politicians to “grasp the nettle” and consolidate smaller, unsustainable units, particularly in rural and coastal areas.
• The Royal College of Midwives criticised the proposed closures, arguing that high-quality maternity services must remain accessible close to families' homes.
• The warnings follow damning reviews exposing systemic failures, staff shortages, and avoidable deaths across NHS maternity units in England.
• The Department of Health and Social Care stated that improving maternity safety is a personal priority for Health Secretary Yvette Cooper , backed by £271 million in investment.

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