The UK Government has announced a rapid, independent national investigation into maternity and neonatal services.[1]
The aims of the investigation are to[2];
- develop and publish one set of national recommendations to:
- drive the improvements needed to ensure high-quality and safe maternity and neonatal care across England
- reduce inequalities and promote health equity in the delivery of those services
- help bereaved and harmed families to receive justice and accountability in the future
- ensure that the lived experiences of women, babies and families, including fathers and non-birthing partners, are fully heard and used to inform the development of the national recommendations
- conduct and publish 12 local investigations of maternity and neonatal services in NHS trusts and use these alongside other sources of data and evidence gathered by the investigation to inform the development of the national recommendations
“The investigation will review the quality and safety of maternity and neonatal services delivered to women, babies and families across England, identifying routes to reduce the incidence and severity of harm done to women, babies and families. This will have a particular focus on the experiences of women, babies and families as they engage with all stages of the maternity and neonatal care pathway.”
The investigation is being led by Baroness Amos, who has previously served as a cabinet Minister and with the United Nations.
How you can help the investigation
Baroness Amos is asking women and families across England to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care through a public Call for Evidence. Responses to the Call for Evidence will be used to inform the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation’s findings and recommendations.[3]
The Call for Evidence is open for 8 weeks from 20 January until 17 March 2026.
There are two Call for Evidence surveys available:
- One for women and people who have been pregnant to share their own experiences of maternity and neonatal services.
- One for other people to share their experiences supporting someone through pregnancy. This could include fathers, non-birthing partners, family members, friends, or other support people.
You must be aged 16 and over to respond. If you are under 16, you must complete the Call for Evidence with somebody who is 16 or over.
So, if you are eligible and feel you would like to contribute to improving services then you should submit your evidence before 11:59 pm on 17 March 2026.
If you have been pregnant then you can submit your evidence here – Your experience of maternity and neonatal care in England
If you have supported someone who has been pregnant then you can submit your evidence here – Your experience supporting someone through maternity and neonatal care in England
We have previously commented on regular, recurring failings in maternity care “Maternity care ‘much worse’ than anticipated” | A Ward & Rider Case Study, and our legal specialists have helped or assisted many families who have been exposed to negligent care.
Addressing these failings will reduce the harm caused to mothers and children.
The greater the number of people who contribute the greater the likely impact of Baroness Amos’ findings.
Not all problems are the result of clinical or medical negligence. However, some are and so if you feel that you or a loved one suffered an injury as a result of medical negligence then please contact us if you wish to discuss your potential claim for compensation.
Our expert Medical Negligence team consists of dedicated specialists with many years of experience in bringing successful claims for medical negligence for those who have suffered negligently caused injuries.
We provide an initial free, defined, no obligation, review of your circumstances to see whether there may be grounds for a claim.
Dr Darren Conway PhD[4] is a Solicitor in our Medical Negligence department[5] here at Ward & Rider, specialising in helping those who have suffered an avoidable injury in a medical setting.
If you want to find out more and see how Ward & Rider could help you, click HERE[6]
Or call us on 0800 316 5887
For more information regarding the NHS complaints process, please click HERE[7].
This article does not constitute legal advice and you should contact us directly if you are facing a similar situation.
[1] 14 NHS trusts the focus of national maternity investigation – GOV.UK
[2] National maternity and neonatal investigation: terms of reference – GOV.UK
[3] Call for Evidence – National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
[4] Dr Darren Conway PhD | Medical Negligence Lawyer at Ward & Rider
[5] Medical Negligence Lawyers and Solicitors | Ward & Rider Solicitors
[6] Contact Ward & Rider Solicitors
[7] NHS England » Feedback and complaints about NHS services
