<p>Exclusive: NHS Alliance’s acute care director says centralisation of services ‘inevitable’ to ensure safe care</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/19/why-are-some-nhs-maternity-units-facing-closure">Why are some NHS maternity units facing closure?</a></p></li></ul><p>Up to 20 maternity units in England will have to shut to ensure mothers and babies receive safe care amid shortages of doctors and rising caesarean section rates, an NHS leader has warned.</p><p>Matthew Hopkins, the NHS Alliance’s director for acute care, said centralising childbirth services into fewer hospitals was “inevitable” and the “right thing”, but would lead to a political backlash against unpopular changes.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/19/up-to-20-maternity-units-england-shut-nhs-warning-matthew-hopkins">Continue reading...</a>
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Up to 20 maternity units in England may have to shut, NHS leader warns
<p>Exclusive: NHS Alliance’s acute care director says centralisation of services ‘inevitable’ to ensure safe care</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/19/why-are-some-nhs-maternity-units-facing-closure">Why are some NHS maternity units facing closure?</a></p></li></ul><p>Up to 20 maternity units in England will have to shut to ensure mothers and babies receive safe care amid shortages of doctors and rising caesarean section rates, an NHS leader has warned.</p><p>Matthew Hopkins, the NHS Alliance’s director for acute care, said centralising childbirth services into fewer hospitals was “inevitable” and the “right thing”, but would lead to a political backlash against unpopular changes.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/19/up-to-20-maternity-units-england-shut-nhs-warning-matthew-hopkins">Continue reading...</a>