Voice Of People Report, 26 February:

Maternity services in England’s NHS are increasingly becoming challenging and risky. A recent government inquiry has found that hospitals where mothers and newborns are harmed often try to “cover up” their mistakes. Medical records are sometimes falsified, and grieving families are denied essential information.

The report states that “negligent” care has devastating emotional and psychological consequences for families. Disputes and miscoordination among maternity staff hurt mothers. Moreover, women from ethnic minorities and poorer backgrounds often face worse outcomes due to racism and discrimination.

Lady Amos, a former Labour minister, noted that the rising number of older mothers and the increasing prevalence of obesity among women giving birth have made maternity care more complex. She concluded, “The system is not working properly for women, babies, families, or staff.”

The report also highlighted specific examples:

• In one hospital, a newborn’s complications were misreported in the medical records.

• Families said they were repeatedly denied answers about the cause of harm to their children.

• Conflicts among maternity staff often resulted in confusing and delayed care for mothers and babies.

Lady Amos spent months speaking with hundreds of families and maternity staff for this report. Her investigation found that procedures meant to ensure patient safety and high-quality care are frequently ignored. This “cover-up” culture not only causes harm but also erodes public trust in the healthcare system.

Experts say the root causes include long-standing institutional failings, inadequate staff training, and discriminatory attitudes. Women from poorer or minority communities are particularly disadvantaged, posing a serious challenge for the health service.

Following the publication of the report, the government is expected to take steps to improve service standards, ensure transparency, and enhance staff coordination. Public health experts warn that without addressing these issues, harm to mothers and babies will continue, and trust in the NHS will further decline.