Baroness Amos has (on 26.2.26) issued an interim report to share her insights on the state of maternity services in England.[2]
In her interim report she says, “We have heard about families being disregarded and not listened to during pregnancy and labour, a lack of kindness and compassion, and reluctance on the part of trusts and professionals to admit mistakes and say sorry when things have gone wrong.”
Her interim report finds that maternity and neonatal services in England are failing too many women, babies and families, with recurring themes of not being listened to, poor communication, lack of compassion, and fragmented, inconsistent care.
It highlights six major systemic pressures—capacity constraints, weak culture and leadership, racism and discrimination, poor responses when things go wrong, inadequate estates and buildings, and workforce shortages.
Together these issues create unsafe, inequitable services and, sadly, repeat the same failings identified in past inquiries.
The interim report stresses that structural change in maternity services is urgently needed.
Sadly, this is no surprise to those of us who have worked for mothers and babies who have been negligently injured, leading to compensation.
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[3] is a Solicitor in our Medical Negligence department[4] 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[5]
Or email us at us enquiry@wardrider.co.uk
Or call us on 0800 316 5887
For more information regarding the NHS complaints process, please click HERE[6].
This article does not constitute legal advice and you should contact us directly if you are facing a similar situation.
[1] Racism and staffing issues factors in ‘failing’ maternity care, report finds – BBC News
[2] Independent Investigation into Maternity and Neonatal Services in England – Interim Report – National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
[3] Dr Darren Conway PhD | Medical Negligence Lawyer at Ward & Rider
[4] Medical Negligence Lawyers and Solicitors | Ward & Rider Solicitors
[5] Contact Ward & Rider Solicitors
[6] NHS England » Feedback and complaints about NHS services
