Story Highlight
- Independent review of maternity services in Scotland has begun.
- Chaired by Professor Christine McCourt focusing on whole-system approach.
- Examining challenges in rural and island communities for maternity care.
- Review aims to improve maternal outcomes and address health inequalities.
- Final recommendations expected from Professor McCourt in July 2027.
Full Story
An independent review of maternity services in Scotland has commenced, focusing on improving care for women, babies, and families while tackling issues related to safety and health inequalities. Chaired by maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt, the review aims to take a comprehensive approach by assessing evidence, performance data, and the experiences of women, families, and healthcare professionals involved in maternity services.
This review will particularly examine the challenges faced by rural and island communities, specifically looking at maternity provision in areas such as Caithness, Elgin, and Wigtownshire. It also seeks to address discrepancies in maternal outcomes, particularly the elevated rates of maternal mortality among Black and Asian women.
Expected to last nine months, the review will progress in conjunction with ongoing improvement initiatives and will consider the findings from the unannounced inspections being conducted by Healthcare Improvement Scotland across all 18 acute maternity units in Scotland. Professor McCourt is set to present her final recommendations in July 2027.
The Scottish Government has stated that the review will be informed by the experiences of families who have utilised maternity services, along with insights from healthcare staff. Scottish Health Secretary Angela Constance expressed, “I want every woman and baby to receive the high-quality care they deserve. That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already underway of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.”
She added, “While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.”
Constance highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance services through the implementation of the Miscarriage Framework, HIS Maternity Standards, the Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Programme, and improved bereavement care via the National Bereavement Care Pathway. Continued inspections by HIS will also aid in driving local improvements within every acute maternity unit throughout Scotland.
This independent review arrives amid heightened scrutiny of maternity services across the UK, as there are increasing demands for more consistent care, enhanced patient safety, and a reduction in inequalities affecting the outcomes for mothers and their babies. By evaluating services from both urban and remote perspectives, the review aims to deliver recommendations that will enhance the provision of maternity care, support workforce development, and guarantee equitable access to high-quality services irrespective of geographical location.
The conclusions of this review are expected to significantly influence the future of maternity services in Scotland.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This article primarily discusses a review of maternity services in Scotland rather than specific workplace safety issues. However, safety managers and site managers in the healthcare sector can draw important lessons regarding the necessity of systematic reviews and the implementation of safety practices. To prevent similar issues regarding patient safety in maternity services, healthcare facilities could enhance compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which mandates ensuring health, safety and welfare to employees and other affected individuals.
Additionally, implementing the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 could improve risk assessments for patient care processes, ensuring that all hazards are identified and managed. By involving healthcare professionals and patients in these processes, healthcare sites can create a feedback loop that addresses concerns and improves care delivery. Establishing robust incident reporting mechanisms, in accordance with RIDDOR 2013, could also help in identifying trends in safety breaches or failures, leading to rapid interventions that protect both patients and staff.
