Baroness Amos to Head Urgent NHS Maternity Care Review

The UK Government has appointed Baroness Valerie Amos to lead a crucial investigation into the NHS maternity and neonatal care system. This decision follows significant feedback from bereaved families who expressed the need for an independent figure to bring a fresh perspective to the review. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the appointment, emphasizing the urgency of addressing systemic failures within these services.

In June, the government launched a national investigation into reported “systemic” failures in NHS maternity care. Many families have felt let down and unheard, leading to increased calls for accountability. Mr. Streeting has been actively engaging with families affected by these issues, particularly in some of the most impacted trusts. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) highlighted the importance of this investigation, which aims to provide solutions for families seeking answers.

Baroness Amos, currently the master of University College, Oxford, has a distinguished career, having served as a UK Government minister and as a senior official at the United Nations. Mr. Streeting remarked, “I have been appalled by the many harrowing stories I’ve heard from mothers and fathers let down by the NHS. Families asked for fresh eyes, independence, and compassion – and that’s why I’ve appointed Baroness Amos.” He underscored her experience in leadership and change management as key attributes for this role.

In her response, Baroness Amos acknowledged the gravity of the task ahead, stating, “I will carry the weight of the loss suffered by families with me throughout this investigation. I hope that we will be able to provide the answers that families are seeking and support the NHS in identifying areas of care requiring urgent reform.”

Scope and Timeline of the Investigation

The investigation will focus on up to ten maternity and neonatal services across the UK. The scope will include a comprehensive review of the existing maternity and neonatal system, consolidating findings from previous reviews into a cohesive set of national recommendations. The DHSC has indicated that the investigation will commence this summer, with an initial report expected by December 2023.

Baroness Amos and her team will determine which ten services will be included in the review, alongside the terms of reference. This process will involve consultations with families who have experienced maternity and neonatal care, ensuring that their voices are integral to the investigation. Locations identified for focus include Leeds, Sussex, and Nottingham.

The investigation is distinct from the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, which will feature a panel of experts and families, chaired by Mr. Streeting. This task force is expected to complement the findings of Baroness Amos’s review.

Responses from Stakeholders

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has expressed support for the appointment of Baroness Amos, highlighting her reputation for strategic thinking. Chief Executive Gill Walton stated, “It is absolutely vital, though, that this review gets under way quickly.” She noted that while there is a commitment to publishing the review by Christmas, there is currently no clarity on the terms of reference or the trusts involved.

Walton emphasized the need for improvements in maternity care, pointing out that historic reviews and reports have repeatedly flagged systemic issues, including unsafe staffing and poor workplace cultures. “Every woman and family should leave maternity and neonatal services whole, happy, and healthy,” she asserted.

The RCM has also called for the review to examine examples of effective maternity care, alongside identifying areas where services fall short of established standards.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring that every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality care, addressing the urgent needs of families who have faced trauma within the maternity system. The commitment to reform signals a critical step towards rebuilding trust in NHS maternity and neonatal services.