England's Chief Midwifery Officer, Kate Brintworth, has declared that NHS maternity care is "not good enough" as maternal deaths continue to rise. According to recent figures, 257 women died during or shortly after pregnancy between 2021 and 2023. Research indicates that improved care could have potentially altered the outcome in nearly half of these cases.
New Clinical Standards to Be Implemented by 2027
In response, the NHS will introduce new clinical standards by March 2027. These include early risk assessments for blood clots, which have become the leading cause of maternal mortality. Routine mental health checks will also be integrated into standard maternity care. Additional measures involve specialist care for pregnant women with epilepsy and earlier intervention for postpartum haemorrhages.
Health Secretary's Commitment
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his determination to transform maternity services, aiming to significantly reduce the number of avoidable deaths. He emphasised the urgency of improving care quality across the board.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the safety and effectiveness of maternity care in England, with healthcare professionals and campaigners calling for immediate action.
