Baroness Amos has issued a critical assessment of the reasons behind the high number of maternal and infant deaths in NHS care, with a recurring issue coming to light once again.
In her recent national review of NHS maternity services, she underlined a common theme observed in previous local reviews – the failure to heed mothers’ concerns when they sensed something was amiss. Instances where pregnant women contacted hospitals during labor to report issues like reduced fetal movement were often disregarded by midwives until it was too late.
A significant problem that persists is the lasting impact of a decade of austerity measures under the Tory government, leading to severe understaffing. Short-staffed units were hesitant to admit women in the early stages of labor.
Upon assuming power in 2024, the Labour government inherited an NHS with one of the lowest staff and hospital bed ratios in Europe per population size. The strain on staffing levels has contributed to other deficiencies highlighted in the Amos report, including toxic work environments and harassment.
Although a series of local inquiries over the past decade have exposed these recurring shortcomings, it now falls on the Labour government to take action.
Recent investigations, such as the one conducted by top midwife Donna Ockenden in Nottinghamshire, revealed that 520 mothers and infants experienced preventable harm or death due to substandard care. Similar failings were uncovered in previous inquiries in Shropshire, East Kent, and Morecambe Bay, leading to nearly 750 national recommendations. Despite these efforts, the same problems persist, with maternal mortality reaching a two-decade peak.
In response to this crisis, the Labour government commissioned Baroness Amos to conduct the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation in 2025, aiming to consolidate previous guidance and drive comprehensive reforms.
Following a period of political instability post-Conservative rule and a decline in Labour’s popularity under Keir Starmer, the responsibility now falls on James Murray, the current Health Secretary, to address the issues highlighted in the Amos report. However, with potential changes in leadership looming, including Andy Burnham’s anticipated appointment as Prime Minister, the urgency for action remains high. Mr. Burnham must ensure that his successor continues the necessary reforms, as emphasized by Baroness Amos, who stresses the essential role of political determination in driving change.
Amidst these potential transitions, it is crucial that crucial reforms in NHS maternity care are not delayed any further. Neglecting to address these issues would dishonor the memory of the numerous women and infants who have suffered due to avoidable harm within the NHS.
