The damning report into maternity services at hospitals within the Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has led to a national review of maternity care.

NHS England have announced a major review into NHS maternity services as part of their NHS Five Year Forward Review. It has unveiled plans to look into efficient models of maternity services, ensuring that women and their families are given sufficient information and support to allow them to make safe and appropriate choices of maternity care and to ensure that the hospital staff are supported in order that they can provide responsive care.

The announcement follows an Investigation which was established in September 2013 by the Secretary of State for Health after concerns were raised by families following a number of tragic deaths and serious incidents during that time at hospitals within Morecambe Bay.

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “Having a baby can be one of the most joyous experiences you can go through and we know that the vast majority of women are happy with the maternity care they receive. But we also know great care isn’t everywhere. The time is right to take stock, and consider how we can best deliver maternity care safely in every part of the country, while better meeting the high expectations women and their families rightly have.

These plans are welcomed by the medical negligence team at Berrymans Solicitors.

Lois Harrison, a lawyer in the medical negligence team said: “The truly shocking findings from the Morecambe Report highlight a very real need for urgent attention to be given to the NHS maternity services, to ensure that patient safety and the expectations of new mothers and families are met across the country”.

Caption: Lois Harrison, Chartered Legal Executive