More women struggling with PTSD after childbirth injuries - Cambridge lawyer
Figures show life-changing injuries of this type has reached a record high
A lawyer in Cambridge has said more women are coming forward with mental health issues after suffering life-changing childbirth injuries.
Analysis of NHS data shows injuries of this type reached a record high in the first half of this year.
"We're seeing a lot of increased PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) for example around delivery," Janine Collier, head of medical negligence at Tees Law, said.
"It's having a significant effect not just on them physically but on the whole family at what should be one of the happiest times of their life."
Figures from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) shows that around 54,000 mothers - or 1 in 10 women - were left alone during late stages of labour or childbirth last year, with wards facing severe shortages of senior midwives and consultant doctors.
While NHS data found three in every 100 women undergoing a vaginal birth suffer from either severe third or fourth-degree tears.
Law firm seeing 'dozens of women' coming forward for help
Some politicians say the rate of injuries is being driven by a shortage of staff and training.
"There are staffing issues on the ward, training issues, and healthcare professionals want to deliver the best possible care they can, but if they are very overrun, they will miss things," Ms Collier said.
"It comes back to appropriate staffing levels on the wards and in the maternity units; the Government is spending money looking at this issue, but recommendations aren't being translated into action."
Ms Collier said she and her team see "dozens of women" coming forward for help each month with childbirth-related injuries.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has said the Government "cannot turn a blind eye to this national safety scandal.
"Every mother deserves safe, compassionate care when bringing a child into the world."
'Timely access to support is crucial' - NHS England
We've asked the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.
A spokesperson for NHS England said it is improving the level of support women receive after childbirth.
"We know that too many women and families are not receiving the high-quality maternity care they deserve, and we are committed to changing this," the spokesperson said.
"We are taking immediate steps to strengthen maternity services, as set out in the ten-point plan outlined last month, while the Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce develops a comprehensive national action plan by the end of the year."
NHS England said care practices to reduce tears are in place, as well as dedicated pelvic health clinics that allow clinicians to give women support easily and quickly.
“For any women that have experienced a traumatic birth, timely access to support is crucial," the spokesperson added.
“Every local health system now also has a specialist community perinatal mental health team.
"The NHS has published guidance to ensure GPs carry out a comprehensive postnatal check-up, six to eight weeks after women give birth, covering a range of topics such as mental health, physical recovery and support with family planning.”