Following a long history of issues in care and safety, a national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services has been ordered by health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting.
This is to address an ongoing problem within maternity and neonatal care that has been persistent despite several independent reviews in local trusts, which all found failings in compassionate care such as failing to listen to women, issues with leadership culture, and safety concerns.
The investigation will look at worst-performing services in the country as well as the entire maternity system, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one set of guidance to ensure every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality and compassionate care.
Clinicians, experts and parents will all be able to contribute, following a series of meetings last week between Mr Streeting and the families who have been harmed by failings in maternity care.
The investigation will begin this summer, and will consist of two parts: the first to investigate up to ten of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units, and the second to undertake a system-wide investigation across the nation, with the aim to report back by December 2025.
The government is also today (24th June 2025) establishing a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by Mr Streeting, and to be made up of a panel of experts and bereaved families.
Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “For the past year, I have been meeting bereaved families from across the country who have lost babies or suffered serious harm during what should have been the most joyful time in their lives
“What they have experienced is devastating—deploying painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion—caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened. Their bravery in speaking out has made it clear: we must act—and we must act now.
“I know nobody that wants better for women and babies than the thousands of NHS midwives, obstetricians, maternity and neonatal staff, and that the vast majority of births are safe and without incident, but it’s clear that something is going wrong.
“That’s why I’ve ordered a rapid national investigation to make sure these families get the truth and the accountability they deserve, and ensure no parent or baby is ever let down again. I want staff to come with us on this, to improve things for everyone.
“We’re also taking immediate steps to help failing services to account and give staff the tools they need to deliver the kind, safe, respectful care every family deserves.
“Maternity care should be the litmus test by which the government is judged on patient safety, and I will do everything in my power to ensure no family has to suffer like this again.”
