The move came after the hospital announced birthing services remain suspended because of ongoing staffing shortages.

Since August 11, expectant mothers have been forced to travel for up to two hours to Exeter. More than 300 mums-to-be are on standby to travel and 154 mothers have so far given birth at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Devon County Council has held a special council meeting and formed a Task Force to help the trust recruit staff. It has also set up a standby taxi service for vulnerable and low income mothers.

Councillor Jess Bailey, chair of Devon County Council's Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee, and Council leader Julian Brazil said they had written three times to the health and social care secretary without response.

A Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: ‘We are disappointed that colleagues have felt it necessary to declare a vote of no confidence, as through our regular discussions we have demonstrated that we are taking their concerns seriously. However, we respect the strength of feeling expressed by them.

‘We have invited representatives of the medical advisory committee to meet with executives to discuss their specific concerns and how we work together to secure the long-term future of healthcare provision in Northern Devon.'

A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘The situation in North Devon in recent weeks has been unacceptable, and our thoughts are with all those women and their families that have suffered unnecessary distress and concern at a crucial time because of the temporary closure of services at North Devon District Hospital.

‘As the Prime Minister told the House of Commons earlier this month, we expect this situation to be resolved as soon as possible, and the health secretary has been in regular contact with the chief executive of NHS England towards that end.

‘In the meantime, the local trust is required to have clear plans in place to ensure mothers and babies are supported and kept safe during this temporary closure.'

The DHSC said a response would be made to Councillor Bailey and Councillor Brazil in due course.