Maternity and Neonatal

Independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services across 12 NHS trusts in England, chaired by Baroness Valerie Amos. Interim report published 26 February 2026 examining capacity pressures, culture and leadership, racism and discrimination, poor accountability, estate quality, and workforce challenges. No recommendations made in this interim report; evidence gathering ongoing. The investigation engaged over 400 family members and received 8,000+ public submissions.

National assurance assessment of maternity and neonatal services across Wales, commissioned by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in May 2025. Chaired by Professor Sally Holland (former Children's Commissioner for Wales). The panel visited maternity units throughout Wales and consulted hundreds of women, families and staff. Identifies strengths and vulnerabilities across capacity, culture, racism and discrimination, accountability, estates and workforce. All recommendations accepted by Welsh Government with three-year phased delivery programme.

Independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (QEQM Hospital, Margate and William Harvey Hospital, Ashford), covering care provided 2009–2020. Reviewed over 200 cases involving avoidable harm to mothers and babies. Found a culture of not listening to women, poor teamworking, and a trust focused on "looking good while doing badly". Published October 2022. Government accepted all recommendations July 2023.

An independent investigation into the dissolution of the independent midwifery provider One to One Midwives. One to One Final Report Appendices – August 2022 post One to One Midwives was an independent sector provider established in 2010 to provide maternity services to NHS-funded clients through a midwifery-led, community-based, ‘case loading’ model.  One to One Midwives was one of a small number of similar businesses over the last ten years which aimed to bridge the gap between greater choice

Independent review of maternity services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in 2017. Led by Donna Ockenden (senior midwife). Final report published 30 March 2022. Reviewed 1,486 families over 20 years (2000–2019), finding repeated failures in care involving three maternal deaths and multiple baby deaths and brain injuries. Identified a culture of not listening to women, poor teamworking, and failure to learn from adverse events. Made 15 Immediate and Essential Actions (IEAs) applicable to all NHS trusts, and 64 Local Actions for Learning specific to the trust. Government accepted all national recommendations on publication and committed £127m to maternity services improvement.