Families fear maternity review 'doomed to fail' as chair named

Families fear maternity review 'doomed to fail' as chair named

Baroness Valerie Amos, a former diplomat, has been appointed to lead a swift investigation into maternity care in England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised her exceptional leadership and transformative abilities, expressing confidence that she will reveal the truth. However, a group of families has raised concerns about the credibility of the investigation, criticizing the conduct of NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. They are calling on Mr. Streeting to take control of the situation.

Although the health secretary has not disclosed which NHS Trusts will be subject to scrutiny in the review, he mentioned that approximately 10 areas could be examined. Despite his initial plans to kick off the review in June and conclude it by the end of December, Mr. Streeting noted that more work is needed to assemble the panel of experts supporting Baroness Amos and refine the review’s terms of reference. Some families have expressed reservations about the individuals proposed by the Department of Health and Social Care to lead the review, viewing them as insufficiently independent from the healthcare system’s shortcomings.

In a plea for a public inquiry, Emily Barley from the Maternity Safety Alliance expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the investigation, criticizing the lack of family involvement in the process. While Ms. Barley acknowledged Mr. Streeting’s good intentions, she contended that the investigation is doomed due to the authorities’ mismanagement. She emphasized the urgent need to address NHS failings, as families continue to endure the consequences of substandard care. Additionally, families in Leeds and Sussex are advocating for senior midwife Donna Ockenden to lead inquiries into alleged poor maternity practices in their trusts.

Baroness Amos, who became a Labour peer in 1997 and served as the first black Cabinet member in 2003, brings a wealth of experience to her role in the investigation. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted her integrity and commitment to the task at hand, assuring families that their experiences will be central to the investigation. Baroness Amos expressed her dedication to carrying the weight of families’ losses throughout the inquiry, aiming to provide the answers families seek and identify areas in need of urgent reform within the NHS

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