Bereaved families who have lost babies due to NHS failings are criticising a rapid review into maternity services, alleging they are being sidelined and forced to "compress" their traumatic experiences into brief eight-minute sessions. The Maternity Safety Alliance has renewed its demand for a statutory public inquiry, arguing that the current approach lacks the depth and robustness needed to address systemic issues in maternity care.
Families Express Outrage Over Limited Involvement
Emily Barley, co-founder of the Maternity Safety Alliance, whose daughter died in 2022, has voiced strong objections to the review's constraints. She highlighted the 500-word limit for submitting evidence and the minimal family involvement, describing it as an "insult" to those enduring everlasting grief. Barley emphasised that such limitations prevent a comprehensive understanding of the failings and undermine the trust of affected families.
Details of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI), commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting and led by Baroness Valerie Amos, is examining 12 NHS trusts, with a report expected in the spring. A spokesperson for the NMNI defended the rapid review, stating its primary aim is to develop national recommendations swiftly to drive immediate improvements in maternity safety. They contrasted this with the longer timeline of a statutory public inquiry, suggesting the rapid approach is more practical for urgent change.
Calls for a Statutory Inquiry Intensify
Despite the NMNI's defence, the Maternity Safety Alliance insists that a statutory inquiry is necessary to ensure thorough scrutiny and accountability. They argue that the current review represents a "performative approach" that fails to adequately involve families or address the root causes of maternity service failures. The alliance points to ongoing concerns about patient safety and the need for transparent, independent investigation to restore public confidence.
Bereaved families have welcomed the independent inquiry into maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals but stress that broader, more inclusive measures are required nationwide. They warn that sidelining their voices risks perpetuating the very issues that led to tragic losses, calling for a more compassionate and comprehensive response from health authorities.
