Streeting orders national investigation into scandal-hit maternity services as he warns of ‘crisis’ in NHS care
Health secretary launches ‘rapid’ probe to improve NHS maternity services
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a rapid national investigation into NHS maternity services to provide truth to bereaved families and drive urgent improvements.
- The investigation aims to address systemic failures in maternity care, which have caused trauma, loss, and a lack of compassion for many families.
- Streeting acknowledged that maternity units are failing across the country and apologized on behalf of the NHS for the suffering families have endured.
- A National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will also be launched, chaired by Streeting, with the investigation expected to report back by the end of the year.
- Professional bodies support the investigation, highlighting issues like workforce shortages and maternity units being at or beyond breaking point.