In June, the UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the initiation of a national investigation into NHS maternity services to uncover the deep-seated problems that are leading to poor care for women, babies, and families. This initiative, led by Lady Amos, aims to gather evidence from the public and consult with expert panels to formulate national recommendations designed to enhance the quality and safety of maternity and neonatal care throughout England.

The investigation will particularly focus on addressing the longstanding inequalities that women from ethnic minority and disadvantaged backgrounds often face in accessing maternal care. It includes comprehensive local investigations at 12 NHS trusts to ensure that the findings are reflective of the varied experiences across different regions. The first impressions of the investigation were shared in December, and an interim report was released recently, with a final report expected in spring.

This national initiative represents a crucial step towards reforming the maternity services in the UK, aiming to ensure that all women receive equitable, safe, and high-quality care during pregnancy and childbirth. By addressing systemic issues, the investigation seeks not only to improve outcomes for mothers and babies but also to restore public trust in the healthcare system, which has faced scrutiny in recent years due to various high-profile failures in maternity care.