Spotlight on maternity safety continues as RCOG calls for urgent action
Two recent announcements on maternity safety in the UK highlight both the progress and persistent challenges in ensuring the best care for mothers and babies.
The president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has called for urgent action, while the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is launching its 2025 national maternity survey to assess patient experiences. These are positive steps, but they must be backed by real investment, training, and resources from the Government.
The team here who specialise in maternal and birth injury claims see the devasting impact that inadequate maternity care can have on women, babies, and their families. Without proper government funding, lives will continue to be at risk.
The UK remains one of the safest places in the world to give birth, thanks to the dedication of NHS maternity teams. However, systemic issues such as staffing shortages, inadequate training and outdated facilities are putting immense strain on healthcare professionals. We know from research and our clients' experiences that mothers often feel ignored or undermined when they raise concerns.
The latest MBRRACE report (2020-22) into maternal, newborn and infant healthcare quality commissioned by NHS England and local bodies depressingly indicates that there has been no improvement in maternal and infant mortality figures including stillbirths since the previous report for 2019-21. In fact, since the 2017-19 report, the figures have got worse.
Government support of the House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee’s report is a welcome move, as reducing preterm births will significantly improve health outcomes for babies. Additionally, the NHS’s 10-Year Plan, due later this year, presents an opportunity to drive long-term maternity improvements. However, none of these plans will be effective without proper funding. Investment in maternity safety must be a top priority—not just in words, but in action.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by RCOG is the severe understaffing in maternity wards. Many obstetricians report feeling overwhelmed, constantly firefighting to prevent adverse outcomes. Some have likened the current state of maternity services to working in the “Wild West,” with burnt-out staff struggling to provide safe and high-quality care. If these issues are not urgently addressed, we risk losing more skilled professionals from the workforce.
At the same time, public confidence in maternity care remains fragile. Many women, particularly Black and Asian women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, report feeling unsafe or unheard during their maternity experiences. Addressing these disparities must be a key part of any strategy to improve care.
The upcoming CQC 2025 national maternity survey is an important tool for gathering patient feedback. This annual survey will ask mothers about their experiences with antenatal, labour, birth, and postnatal care. Questions focus on whether they felt listened to, respected, and empowered to make decisions about their care. The results will help identify problem areas and highlight where improvements are needed.
While we support and welcome any efforts to enhance maternity safety, real change will only come if the government commits to funding essential improvements. That means:
• Investing in staff recruitment and retention to prevent burnout and ensure safe staffing levels.
• Providing protected time for training and development to improve clinical skills and reduce avoidable harm.
• Upgrading outdated maternity facilities and equipment so that healthcare professionals can work in safe and efficient environments.
• Tackling racial and socioeconomic disparities to ensure every mother and baby receives equitable, high-quality care.
Expectant mothers and maternity staff deserve a system that prioritises safety and respect. Anything less is unacceptable and as, we see too often, brings catastrophic consequences.
Read more about our maternity negligence and stillbirth claims and hear from clients.
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For further information about birth injury claims or medical negligence claims please call Shivi Nathan on 0330 460 7160 or email shivi.nathan@fieldfisher.com
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