A recent report has highlighted serious failings in England’s maternity services, with some patients experiencing poor care while staff face threats and abuse. Baroness Amos, chairing a national review into maternity care, described what she has seen so far as “much worse” than anticipated.
The review revealed that some mothers felt blamed for the death of their babies, while others experienced a lack of empathy, care, or apology when mistakes occurred. Women from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those from working-class communities, were often at the receiving end of discriminatory treatment.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who commissioned the review, said: “The systemic failures causing preventable tragedies cannot be ignored.”
Baroness Amos acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed confidence that meaningful change is possible. While her review does not have the powers of a statutory public inquiry, it aims to identify systemic improvements to maternity care across hospital trusts.
Investigating systemic failings
The review, known as the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, builds on previous inquiries into maternity services, including those at Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury & Telford, and East Kent. Despite 748 recommendations from past investigations, similar failings continue to occur, prompting further scrutiny.
Interim findings from visits to seven NHS trusts and discussions with over 170 families highlighted recurring issues:
- Poor cleanliness, missed meals, and lack of basic care such as assistance with bathroom needs.
- Patients’ concerns being ignored, including reduced fetal movements.
- Discriminatory treatment affecting women of colour, those with mental health issues, and working-class mothers.
- Hospitals failing to adequately address incidents when babies were harmed, including poor behaviour or inappropriate language by staff.
The review also engaged with maternity staff, who described facing threats and abuse themselves. Some reported death threats or attacks on social media, while others said patients or families had thrown objects at them. While negative publicity can make providing care more challenging, it has also acted as a catalyst for improvements in some cases.
Families call for change
Families affected by maternity failings have expressed concern that the review’s limited powers and timeframe may restrict its impact. Campaigners, including James Titcombe and Rhiannon Davies, stressed that meaningful action must follow the publication of the findings to prevent further harm.
A new National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Health Secretary, will oversee the implementation of Baroness Amos’s recommendations, with families at the centre of its work.
Managing Associate Nicola Rawlinson-Weller, who leads Enable Law’s specialist baby loss team, said:
“The findings from Baroness Amos’s review are deeply concerning. They highlight ongoing issues in maternity care that put families at risk and show how systemic failings continue to cause harm. It is essential that the lessons identified lead to real change, so that every parent and baby receives safe, compassionate care.”
How Enable Law can help you
If you are concerned about the care you or your baby received, we are here to support you with our specialist team. We offer all initial discussions free of charge and with no obligation to proceed. To talk to one of our experts, call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time convenient to you.
