Story Highlight
- Government urged to address maternity services “national safety scandal”.
- Record high of blood loss injuries reported among women in England.
- Three in every 100 women needed emergency surgery for serious injuries.
- Calls for more senior midwives to ensure safer maternity units.
- Department of Health plans reforms and prioritises maternity safety issues.
Full Story
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has described the current state of maternity services in England as a “national safety scandal” following the release of alarming figures regarding childbirth injuries. Analysis by the Liberal Democrats reveals that the number of women experiencing severe blood loss during childbirth has reached record levels, with three in every 100 women suffering serious tearing injuries that demanded emergency surgery in the first half of this year. Davey called this trend a “devastating indictment of our NHS maternity services.”
The government is anticipated to unveil a new national maternity and neonatal action plan by the end of the year. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast at the Liberal Democrats’ annual conference in Brighton, Davey committed to allocating £600 million annually to maternity services if his party comes to power. He asserted that the current expenditure of £1.3 billion each year on negligence compensation for inadequate maternity care should instead be invested in preventative measures.
He emphasized the need for an increase in senior midwives and consultants, stating, “Our current maternity staff are run ragged – they’re massively overstretched.” He continued, “It’s a scandal at the moment – we’ve seen inquiry after inquiry. So many women are suffering injuries at birth and we’re seeing the loss of babies too; it is a tragedy as well as a scandal.” Davey urged ministers to pay attention to what he described as a national safety scandal, insisting that mothers “deserve safe, compassionate care.”
The party’s analysis referenced data from the Care Quality Commission showing that around 54,000 women, roughly one in ten, were left unattended during the critical late stages of labour last year, a situation they attributed to inadequate training and staffing shortages. Furthermore, more than 8,000 women reported postpartum haemorrhages with blood loss exceeding 1.5 litres thus far this year, representing more than double the number from the same timeframe in 2021. Rates of major haemorrhage reached their peak between April and June of this year, with a reported 32.7 women per thousand requiring emergency treatment. The occurrence of third or fourth degree vaginal tears has risen by 29% over the past five years, according to the same analysis.
Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Helen Morgan, who led the campaign for an independent maternity commissioner, pointed out that previous reports into maternity scandals remain unaddressed. “Years after the Shrewsbury and Telford scandal which devastated my community – my neighbours and friends – women continue to suffer,” she stated. A review conducted in 2022 revealed that severe failings at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust could have resulted in the deaths of over 200 babies, prompting the trust to offer apologies and implement measures aimed at preventing recurrence.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care affirmed that the forthcoming review would incorporate recommendations from key inquiries and establish clear priorities for improvement. They asserted that “Every woman deserves safe maternity care,” adding that the new health secretary has prioritised this issue. The spokesperson noted the establishment of England’s first statutory Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, intended to amplify the voices of women and families within national policy formulation, alongside the extension of Martha’s Rule across maternity wards.
In response to the Liberal Democrats’ critiques, a Labour Party spokesperson highlighted Sir Ed Davey’s involvement in the coalition government’s era which saw the dismantling of national maternity service standards. They stated that he failed to protest against the decision at the time and called for an apology, arguing that without it, his current comments would lack credibility.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This article highlights significant failures in maternity services that have led to serious injuries and losses, underscoring an urgent need for improvement within healthcare settings. One key area for change is the staffing levels and training of healthcare professionals. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and those affected by their work. This also extends to ensuring sufficient staff are available to meet patient needs. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 further mandates the assessment of risks and implementation of necessary measures to mitigate them, which could include staffing ratios and training programs specifically tailored for high-risk areas like maternity wards.
To prevent similar incidents, sites should conduct regular risk assessments to identify gaps in staffing and training, ensuring they are adequately equipped to handle emergencies. Additionally, implementing a robust reporting mechanism for staff shortages or training deficiencies may facilitate timely interventions. Prioritising these actions can significantly enhance the safety and care standards for mothers and newborns alike, ultimately reducing the risk of serious incidents in maternity services.
