Independent review of maternity care services in England

An independent review of NHS maternity services in England is taking place this month, with a view to making recommendations for improvements in maternity care provision.

The ‘NHS Maternity Review’, being conducted in conjunction with the charities Sands and Bliss, invites parents to share their views on maternity services if they have experienced the death of their baby before, during or soon after birth, or complications affecting the health of mother or baby.

The Maternity Review forms a crucial part of the NHS ‘Five Year Forward View’ and is being independently chaired by Baroness Julia Cumberlege. It is looking to make recommendations on safe and efficient models of maternity services, including midwife-led units. The ultimate aim is to ensure that the NHS supports and enables women to make safe and appropriate choices of maternity care for them and their babies. The review will also examine staffing issues to support NHS staff, including midwives, to provide responsive care.