Baroness Amos to Lead Urgent Review of England’s Maternity Care

The UK government has appointed former diplomat Baroness Valerie Amos to lead a rapid review of maternity care in England, following sustained criticism of services. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the decision in a letter addressed to families affected by inadequate maternity care, highlighting Baroness Amos’s extensive experience in leadership roles across national and international organizations.

Concerns Over Independence of Review Panel

Despite the appointment of Baroness Amos, many families have expressed concerns regarding the independence of the review. The identities of the other panel members remain undisclosed, leading to worries that those selected may not have sufficient detachment from the NHS. The Health Secretary indicated that up to ten areas could be investigated, but specific NHS Trusts involved have yet to be confirmed.

The BBC has dedicated over a decade to documenting experiences of bereaved and harmed families, gathering evidence of systemic failures in maternity services across various NHS Trusts, including Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury & Telford, East Kent, Nottingham, and Leeds. This background underscores the urgent need for a thorough and impartial review.

Timeline and Expert Involvement Uncertain

Health Secretary Wes Streeting first announced the intention to conduct this review in June, aiming to have the process initiated promptly and concluded by the end of December 2023. In his correspondence with families, Streeting acknowledged that further work is required to finalize the panel of experts who will assist Baroness Amos, as well as to clarify the terms of reference for the review.

Families from regions, including Leeds and Sussex, have expressed significant reservations about the proposed panel members. Many have advocated for the inclusion of senior midwife Donna Ockenden, who is currently leading a review of maternity care in Nottingham, expected to be completed next year with around 2,500 cases under examination. No decision has been made regarding Ockenden’s involvement in the new review.

Reports have highlighted that inadequate maternity care in the NHS has resulted in preventable deaths, emphasizing the critical need for reforms. The forthcoming review aims to address these grave issues and restore confidence in maternity services across England.