14 Trusts Part of Rapid National Investigation of Maternity and Newborn Baby Care Across England

On a chilly September morning, a mother cradles her newborn son in a neonatal unit in Birmingham, her face etched with the joy and trepidation that marks the early days of motherhood. But for many mothers like her, the journey through maternity and neonatal care has been marred by tragedies that should never have occurred. Today, the landscape of maternity services in England is under scrutiny as the government announces a significant initiative to address long-standing issues that have put countless lives at risk.

The Investigation’s Genesis

In a bold response to systemic failures dating back over 15 years, the Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting unveiled a rapid national investigation led by Baroness Valerie Amos. This initiative aims to gather insights from bereaved and harmed families, ensuring their voices are integral to the investigation framework. The response comes as an explicit acknowledgment of failures that have seen thousands of mothers report feeling unheard while navigating a healthcare system fraught with complexities.

“The courageous families who have come forward are the backbone of this investigation,” Streeting noted. “Their experiences, harrowing as they are, will guide us in enacting the changes necessary to protect future generations from similar tragedies.”

Terms of Reference and Scope

The terms of reference for this urgent inquiry, finalized in collaboration with affected families, underscore the need to prioritize the lived experiences of mothers and their newborns. Key aims include:

• Reviewing the quality and safety of maternity services.
• Investigating the impact of inequalities across maternal care.
• Identifying systemic barriers hindering improvements.
• Conducting 14 localized investigations within selected trusts.

Baroness Amos emphasized the importance of these goals during a recent press briefing: “Understanding the lived experiences of mothers, particularly those from marginalized communities, is crucial. For too long, their voices have been sidelined, and that must change.”

A Pattern of Failings

Previous independent reviews at trusts across the country have unveiled a concerning pattern: mothers’ voices often go unheard, critical safety concerns are frequently overlooked, and toxic leadership cultures persist. According to a 2024 study published in the *Journal of Maternal Health*, over 40% of women reported feeling their concerns were dismissed by healthcare providers, leading to unsafe conditions during childbirth.

“The data corroborate a longstanding issue,” says Dr. Linda Thornton, a maternal health expert from the University of London. “The consistent failures across multiple trusts highlight systemic deficiencies in communication and patient care that need immediate redress.”

Selection of Trusts for Investigation

The investigation will focus on 14 hospital trusts chosen based on a range of criteria, reflecting a commitment to diverse representation and geographical coverage. These trusts include:

• 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
• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

The trusts were selected based on their performance metrics, including the Care Quality Commission’s maternity patient surveys and perinatal mortality rates reported by MBRRACE-UK. According to an internal NHS report, there has been a *13% increase* in maternal dissatisfaction across these trusts over the last five years, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

Moving Forward

As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are encouraging a broad dialogue around maternal care, particularly regarding inequalities faced by women from Black and Asian backgrounds, as well as economically disadvantaged families. The National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, also established recently, will complement these efforts by engaging a panel of experts and affected families in ongoing discussions.

“This investigation represents a pivotal moment for the NHS,” comments Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for England. “We’re committed to meaningful change, and that begins with accountability and transparency at every level of care.”

With interim recommendations expected by December 2025, the urgency for better maternity care is palpable. As the narratives of affected families become central to this inquiry, the hope remains that no family will endure the pain of loss and disappointment that far too many have faced in Britain’s maternity services. In the heart of it all remains a dream: a healthcare system where every mother’s voice is valued, and every newborn’s life is safeguarded.

Source: www.gov.uk