A new Maternity and Neonatal taskforce has been established, chaired by the Health and Social Care Secretary.

It will work to tackle deep-rooted inequalities and deliver urgent action on the recommendations of the independent national investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England, led by Baroness Amos.

Membership of the taskforce is now finalised and includes families, senior NHS leaders, royal colleges, campaigners, academics, and third sector representatives who collectively have the clinical expertise, lived experience and sector know-how to deliver change.

A further £25 million has been allocated for NHS Trusts to tackle the leading causes of maternal death, enhance their bereavement facilities and improve triage services for women who experience unexpected complications during their pregnancy.

Trusts are also rolling out the Maternal Care Bundle which includes best practice standards across five areas of care that tackle the leading causes of maternal death - epilepsy, haemorrhage and mental health. £5 million will be invested to support the rollout.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said: "I ordered an independent national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services to make sure families harmed by maternity care get the truth and accountability they deserve.

"Baroness Amos will deliver on this vital work this June but to deliver truly meaningful change — so that other families do not face the ordeals too many are already enduring — we must be ready to act swiftly.

"This 17-strong taskforce will start work straight away, so we will be ready to drive improvement from the moment the investigation’s recommendations are published.

"At the same time, we’re continuing to invest millions in schemes that are working to deliver safer and more equitable maternity care to benefit families today."

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Every woman and baby deserve safe, compassionate care during pregnancy and birth, and the very best start in life.

"Although NHS maternity and neonatal teams work incredibly hard to support women and families every day, we know there is more we must urgently do to improve care and experience.

"I look forward to working with members of the taskforce to improve safety and deliver the best possible outcomes and experience for women, babies, families and colleagues working in these services."