Whilst many women in the UK have a positive experience of birth, resulting in a healthy baby, this is not always the case. Pregnant women should have access to quality and consistency of care in maternity units throughout their pregnancy and across the country, it should not be a post code lottery as to the quality of care women receive. But, in recent years there have been a number of major investigations into failings in maternity care at specific NHS trusts.
We have reported on issues at both Shrewsbury and Telford and Nottingham University Hospitals and despite the suggestions to improve care, and the pledges to implement them, it appears that the same problems are being systematically repeated elsewhere. Namely – women not being listened to, delays in receiving care, poor communication, the absence of compassion and cultural competence, and the lack of continuity of care.
Safe, effective and personalised maternity care
Rachael Flanagan, Head of Medical Negligence and Personal Injury at Alsters Kelley said “Every pregnant woman should have access to safe, effective and truly personalised maternity care. Following on from our blog in January entitled Maternity Care in the UK is once again under the spotlight, we, along with everyone else, have been eagerly awaiting the results of The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Birth Trauma entitled ‘Listen to Mums: Ending the Postcode Lottery on Perinatal Care.’ The results of which came out last week.”
Rachael continued. “The Birth Trauma Inquiry heard harrowing evidence from more than 1,300 women who had been severely impacted (and in some cases their babies were also affected too), by poor levels of care in maternity and postnatal units across the UK. It also received nearly 100 submissions from maternity professionals. Furthermore, the Inquiry also held seven evidence sessions, in which it heard testimony from both parents and experts, including maternity professionals and academics.”
What next?
The Inquiry called for an overhaul of the UK’s maternity and postnatal care to make maternity care safe, after finding ‘poor maternity services were tolerated as normal.’ The APPG called upon the UK Government to bring in a new maternity system where poor care is the exception rather than the rule. This meant publishing a National Maternity Improvement Strategy, led by a new Maternity Commissioner, who will report to the Prime Minister, to work through 12 key recommendations relating to:
- Staffing and training
- Specialist perinatal mental health services
- Enhanced postnatal care
- Injury prevention
- Supportive services
- Education and informed consent about birth choices
- Respect for birth choices
- Dad and partner support
- Continuity of care
- Legal redress
- Addressing inequalities
- Economic research
If you would like to read the full Birth Trauma Inquiry report, together with its recommendations in more detail, click here.
Free initial meeting for support and advice
We offer a free initial legal consultation meeting. If you have any concerns about the treatment either you or your baby have received and would like help or advice, please contact Rachael Flanagan on 01926 356030 or email rachael.flanagan@alsterskelley.com.
Call now 01926 356 030 to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced medical negligence lawyers at any of our six offices.
You can also join us at our Medical Negligence free drop-in sessions every third Wednesday of the month from our Nuneaton office.
Rachael Flanagan
Rachael’s role is to represent Claimant’s in Medical Negligence and Personal Injury claims and help her clients achieve the level of compensation they deserve. Rachael is also committed to ensure her client’s receive appropriate rehabilitation.
rachael.flanagan@alsterskelley.com