The NHS regulator in England has stated that many of the maternity failings at scandal-hit hospitals are becoming more widespread. Investigations into units in Shrewsbury and Telford and East Kent found poor care may have led to babies dying or having life-changing injuries. However, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said these problems were also being seen elsewhere. Its review of 131 units across the NHS highlighted issues with staffing, buildings, equipment, and the way safety was managed, warning preventable harm was at risk of becoming “normalised”.
Overall, 48% of the 131 units were rated as inadequate or requiring improvement, with about a quarter receiving a lower overall rating than when last inspected. The review found examples of good practice but expressed concern over staffing shortages, inconsistent leadership and management creating blame cultures and low morale. The CQC called for the government to invest more in buildings and equipment and recommended that NHS England improve the monitoring of safety-related incidents.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the findings were cause for national shame. He said women deserved better, and that the government would work with struggling trusts to make rapid improvements. Theo Clarke, a former Conservative MP who chaired the UK’s first inquiry into birth trauma, called for the new Labour government to commit to a “national maternity improvement strategy” led by a new maternity commissioner reporting to the prime minister.
While stillbirths and deaths shortly after birth have been falling over the past decade, about one out of every 20 mothers reports developing post-traumatic stress disorder. There is also concern around the number of clinical-negligence claims relating to pregnancy and childbirth. Last year, 13% of all the claims against the NHS were in this area, with huge payouts being made to families where babies have been left with brain injuries. Health correspondent for the BBC, Nick Triggle, concludes that “maternity services in England are facing a crisis that is deep and widespread
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