A recent Interim Report on an investigation into Maternity and Neonatal services in England, led by Baroness Amos, has found attempts to ‘cover up’ negligent care during childbirth alongside racism, capacity, and workforce issues.
The investigation was announced last June by the health secretary, Wes Streeting, and came following a series of failings in maternity and neonatal services in multiple NHS trusts.
For many families affected by poor maternity care, the findings reinforce longstanding concerns about safety, transparency and accountability within maternity services.
Previous reviews into NHS Maternity Services
On 9 January 2024, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) launched an inquiry into traumatic childbirths within the UK Parliament, aiming to reduce the rate of birth trauma. The inquiry concluded on 13 May 2024, with APPG publishing their inquiry report, exposing the stark reality of inconsistent maternity and postnatal care across the nation highlighting issues of “postcode lottery” within maternity care, bringing to light the disparities in support offered to expectant mothers depending on their geographical location.
Many women who suffered negligence during childbirth voiced that medical staff did not listen to them when they felt something was wrong, mocked or shouted at them, and denied them basic needs such as pain relief. This is something that has been an ongoing issue as is evidenced in the Maternal Mental Health Alliance report which called for urgent action back in 2024.
Despite these previous reviews and investigations having identified areas that require action, very little has been done, leading to maternity and neonatal services “too often failing to deliver the safe care that women, families and babies expect and deserve”.
Key issues identified in the Maternity & Neonatal services investigation
The interim report identifies several factors contributing to pressures on the NHS maternity and neonatal system, including the following issues:
1. Capacity Pressures
Capacity pressures are evident at every stage of the maternity journey, with inconsistencies in the birth choices available to women and services being depleted or stopped due to these pressures. The Guardian reports that “Staff shortages and the relentless pressure on maternity units means mothers are sent home after giving birth without being properly assessed and then cannot get through when they phone to seek advice.” These capacity pressures and inconsistencies in care provision result in delays and inadequate support for women and families, particularly those with complex health needs.
2. Culture and Leadership Issues
Culture and leadership issues are highlighted, with poor relationships between team members and a lack of effective clinical leadership impacting the safety and effectiveness of care.
3. Racism and Discrimination
Racism and discrimination are prevalent within the system, contributing to racial inequities in maternity and neonatal outcomes, with the BBC reporting on the investigation finding cases of Asian women being stereotyped as ‘princesses’ and black women being deemed as having ‘tough skin’ and ‘able to tolerate pain’.
4. Poor Responses and Lack of Accountability
Families have reported a lack of transparency and clear communication following incidents that resulted in harm and many were not involved in investigations from the outset, were not informed when investigations concluded, or were not provided with copies of reports. This lack of involvement and transparency has led to feelings of a ‘cover-up’ from NHS trusts, with families facing resistance when requesting their medical notes. Instances of medical notes being amended or redacted have further compounded the harm suffered by families, impeding learning and improvement within the system. Families have expressed that investigations often do not lead to improvements in care, and they feel compelled to pursue litigation due to the absence of openness and honesty.
5. The Quality of Estates
The quality of estates is also a concern, with outdated and dilapidated facilities affecting the ability to provide safe and effective care.
6. Workforce Challenges
Workforce challenges include staffing shortages, high turnover, and poor morale, all of which impact the quality of care provided.
What Happens Next?
The report outlines several next steps to address the issues identified, with the investigation continuing to gather evidence and analyse previous recommendations. Evidence will also be taken from national stakeholder organisations to gain insights into governance, organisational structures, training, regulation, and funding pathways.
The public call for evidence remains open, inviting contributions from women, families, and staff. Wes Streeting will chair a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce to design and deliver an Action Plan informed by the investigation’s findings and recommendations with the aim to drive systemic change and improve the provision of safe, consistent care in maternity and neonatal services in England.
How our Clinical Negligence Solicitors can help
In light of the recent articles and developments concerning poor maternity care within parts of the NHS, our Clinical Negligence Department is here to provide clear, compassionate and practical support to families affected. We specialise in investigating cases where medical treatment has fallen below a reasonable standard, including failures in antenatal, labour and postnatal care. Our role is to obtain and review medical records, seek independent expert evidence and advise on whether the care provided met accepted standards. Where appropriate, we pursue claims to secure answers, accountability and financial compensation to support rehabilitation, ongoing care and future needs.
If you believe you have experienced substandard medical treatment, you may have grounds to pursue a medical negligence claim. Where there has been a breach of duty of care and this has caused you avoidable injury, complications, or financial loss, we may be able to assist you in investigating the circumstances and advising you on your legal options. Please contact our Clinical Negligence Team at McHale & Co Solicitors on 0161 928 3848 for a confidential discussion about your situation.
