In June 2025, the government announced the launch of a rapid National Maternity Inquiry which would focus on maternity and neonatal services in selected Trusts across England.
The inquiry will be led by Baroness Valerie Amos, and the government advises the investigation ‘will put families at the heart of the work’. The Inquiry intends to focus on understanding families’ experiences, identify lessons to be learnt and make recommendations to improve the standard of maternity and neonatal care across the country. The report will be released in 2026.
Details of the Trusts that will form part of the inquiry have been announced as:
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust
- East Kent Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust
- Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
- The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust / Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
In May earlier this year, Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity and Special Care Baby Unit was closed for at least 6 months due to staffing shortages and concerns around care. All families were diverted to other hospitals, with the majority moving to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. It is likely that this closure is the reason the Trust has been chosen to form part of the Inquiry.
What help and support is available?
We know that hearing a Trust you are currently, or have previously received care from, is being investigated can be deeply worrying. Enable Law has a specialist baby loss team that has worked with families from many of the Trusts listed. If you have questions about the care you or your baby received during or after your pregnancy, we are here to support you in this difficult time. To have a free, confidential discussion with a member of our dedicated team call us today on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can get in touch with you at a time convenient for you.
