Bereaved Nottingham parents deem national maternity review 'step backwards' unless there is accountability
Maternity review calls for urgent reform amid systemic failures
In newly released findings, bereaved parents from Nottingham have raised concerns regarding the latest national maternity review. They consider the review a 'step backwards,' highlighting that without accountability, any attempts at reform may not bear fruitful results.
The report, led by Baroness Valerie Amos, calls for the appointment of a national maternity commissioner with legal powers to reduce harm following repeated NHS care failures.
It stresses urgent changes in treating families and listening to concerns during pregnancy and labour, as well as implementing independent investigations when internal reviews are disputed.
The Amos review identifies several systemic issues within the maternity care system, such as embedded racism, discrimination, and fragmented governance.
A distressed culture where women’s voices are often ignored also contributes to the lack of consistent safety and accountability in services.
Baroness Amos recommends redesigning existing systems, establishing national safety standards, improving regulatory oversight, and fostering positive hospital culture.
The report arrives shortly after senior midwife Donna Ockenden's inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which exposed over 500 cases of avoidable harm or death due to entrenched failures. The Trust has previously apologised and said it will work with the families to implement change.
Sarah and Gary Andrews lost their daughter Wynter at the Queen's Medical Centre. They said there are similarities between the two reviews:
"From some of the themes that have come out, it is very clear that mothers are not listened to, families are not listened to, and the devastating consequences that has.
"I just think the recommendations are not going to address things for today. I worry that it is going to take six to nine months just to get the ball rolling," Gary said.
The findings have heightened the demand for accountability among parents who have long suffered without answers.
Baroness Amos emphasizes the need for decisive action, asserting that women, babies, and families deserve safe, compassionate, and equitable care. Her recommendations are aimed at creating an accountable maternity service with effective governance to prevent tragedies.
Despite the review’s prescriptions for significant change, bereaved Nottingham parents argue that without proper accountability, the proposed measures may not effectively safeguard against systemic failure.
Gary said: "It feels like a step backwards. A lot of what has been recommended at best will take nine months to embed. Culture change does not happen overnight," he said.
They urge for thorough scrutiny of the review’s recommendations and accountability from all stakeholders involved in maternity care. We have contacted the Government for comment.