Baroness Amos to Oversee Urgent Review of NHS Maternity Care

The UK Government has appointed Baroness Valerie Amos to lead an urgent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care following a series of systemic failures. This decision, announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aims to address the concerns of bereaved families who requested an independent and compassionate review of the services. The investigation is set to commence this summer and is expected to deliver initial recommendations by December 2023.

The appointment of Baroness Amos, who currently serves as Master of University College, Oxford, was made in response to feedback from families affected by inadequate care in maternity services. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) noted that Mr. Streeting has been engaging with families to understand their experiences and the challenges they faced across various NHS trusts. This initiative follows the government’s commitment in June to investigate the “systemic” failures within maternity care after reports of families feeling “gaslit” while seeking answers about their care.

In his announcement, Mr. Streeting expressed his dismay at the stories shared by families who felt let down by the NHS. He emphasized the need for leadership that brings “fresh eyes” to the issue, highlighting Baroness Amos’s distinguished record in driving change both nationally and internationally. He stated, “Families asked for fresh eyes, independence and compassion – and that’s why I’ve appointed Baroness Amos.” His remarks reflect a broader commitment to reform NHS services to ensure that all women and babies receive safe and high-quality care.

Baroness Amos acknowledged the gravity of the task ahead, saying, “I will carry the weight of the loss suffered by families with me throughout this investigation. I hope that we will be able to provide the answers that families are seeking and support the NHS in identifying areas of care requiring urgent reform.” The investigation will examine up to ten maternity and neonatal services across the country, integrating findings from previous reviews into a cohesive set of national recommendations.

The selection of the specific services to be reviewed will be made by Baroness Amos and her team, in collaboration with families who have experienced maternity and neonatal care issues, particularly in regions like Leeds, Sussex, and Nottingham. This review is distinct from the newly formed National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, which will include a panel of experts and families, chaired by Mr. Streeting.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has expressed support for Baroness Amos’s appointment, commending her thoughtful approach to leadership. Gill Walton, chief executive of the RCM, emphasized the urgency of the review, stating, “It is absolutely vital, though, that this review gets under way quickly.” She pointed out that, despite previous commitments, there has been little clarity on the terms of reference or the specific trusts involved, adding that families deserve to leave maternity services with positive outcomes.

Walton highlighted ongoing issues in NHS maternity care, such as unsafe staffing levels, poor workplace cultures, and a failure to listen to women’s concerns. She called for the review to not only identify failures but also to recognize examples of good practice, ensuring that the investigation leads to meaningful reform.

As the investigation moves forward, it will aim to address the longstanding issues within NHS maternity services to prevent future tragedies. The commitment to thorough and compassionate review reflects an effort to rebuild trust in a system that is vital to the health and well-being of families across the UK.