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A comprehensive review of maternity services in Scotland has commenced this week, with a report expected next summer. The initiative aims to encompass the full spectrum of experiences from women, families, and healthcare staff, ensuring their voices significantly shape the outcome. This review was instigated by the Scottish government following a BBC Disclosure investigation that exposed multiple shortcomings in maternity care throughout the country.
One poignant story highlighted by the investigation involved Lori Quate, who lost his wife Jacqui Hunter during childbirth at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Jacqui died while delivering their stillborn daughter, Olivia, with an NHS review implicating a drug overdose intended to induce labor as a possible factor in her death. The national review was announced shortly after the documentary aired, responding to urgent calls for enhanced safety measures from families, staff, and experts alike.
Professor Christine McCourt, a specialist in maternal and child health at City St George’s, University of London, chairs the review. She emphasized the importance of including diverse parental experiences—both positive and negative—in order to draw meaningful lessons. While the review does not investigate individual cases, it seeks to understand broader patterns that lead to poor outcomes and assess whether parents receive honest communication and appropriate support after adverse events.
The review is also tasked with addressing distinct challenges in Scotland’s maternity services, such as staffing shortages and the unique needs of rural populations. Scotland’s health landscape differs from other parts of the UK due to its dispersed population and devolved health system, which requires tailored approaches. Specific attention will be given to maternity services in Caithness, Elgin, and Wigtownshire, regions where longstanding concerns have been raised about local provisions. For example, Claire Fleming has had to travel 70 miles to give birth after the closure of the Stranraer maternity unit in 2018, highlighting the difficulties faced by rural communities. Health Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged that while most mothers receive good care, there are families who have felt let down, and their experiences must influence ongoing improvements
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