What Is the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation?
Recent highlights from the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation led by Baroness Amos have been released. At Bridge McFarland, we see all too often the consequences of maternity failings and are disappointed to read, yet again, that we are experiencing more of the same problems within the NHS, with no further improvements.
Key Findings from Baroness Amos’ Review
It was recently reported by the BBC that findings of racism and ‘poor’ staff relationships have resulted in maternity care failings.
Disappointingly, racism, staffing, and accountability issues were among the factors identified by Baroness Amos, who is leading the government-commissioned review. Baroness Amos has described experiences from families as being ‘traumatic and distressing’ and that some hospital trusts have changed their practices because of what has happened.
Sadly, Baroness Amos stated, “It was clear from the meetings and conversations I have had with hundreds of women, families and staff members across the country, that maternity and neonatal services in England are failing too many women, babies, families and staff.” As a team of all-female clinical negligence lawyers, we remain saddened to read such findings.
Concerns Around Racism and Discrimination in Maternity Care
Baroness Amos highlighted troubling stereotypes reported during her investigation. Asian women were being stereotyped as ‘princesses’, suggesting they are overly demanding or unable to cope with pain. Black women were characterised as having ‘tough skin’ and being “able to tolerate pain”. Muslim families reported experiencing discrimination based on their religion, which left them feeling unable to raise concerns.
One of the main issues which Baroness Amos found was that structural racism led to a “notably higher risk of adverse outcomes” for women from black and Asian backgrounds and women from more deprived areas.
Lack of Compassion Following Baby Loss
There was also a lack of compassion found amongst women who had sadly suffered the loss of a baby, which resulted in many mothers wrongly blaming themselves, compounding trauma and impeding opportunities to learn from mistakes.
Investigation into NHS Hospital Trusts
Baroness Amos was instructed to investigate the management of 12 Hospital Trusts from around the country. The investigation considered all stages of the maternity care pathway, including pre-pregnancy management, labour and birthing care, and any postnatal care, including, where necessary, psychological support, bereavement care, and management of adverse outcomes.
How Bridge McFarland LLP Can Support Families Affected by Maternity Negligence
These latest reports are extremely disappointing to read. As a firm that supports clients who have suffered traumatic events within the maternity and neonatal services, we are saddened to hear that there continues to be no change in this treatment that thousands of women experience.
Bridge McFarland LLP has a dedicated clinical negligence team with decades of experience supporting clients affected by events such as these. We are here to provide guidance if you or a loved one has suffered a childbirth injury that you believe is due to negligence, please contact our helpful and friendly team.
Common failures that our medical negligence lawyers deal with include:
- premature delivery
- late or no caesarean section
- use of forceps
- use of ventouse
- epidural
- maternal infection, for example, Group B Strep
- mismanagement of labour
Change may not be happening as quickly as anyone would like across the country, but we can help you to have a voice. Reach out to our team today to speak with a member of our team, or please visit our dedicated medical negligence website for more information regarding pregnancy and birth injury claims. You can also find information on making a medical negligence claim by reading our previous guide: ‘Pursuing a Medical Negligence Claim – Seeking Justice and The Answers You Deserve’.
Read the Full Baroness Amos Interim Report
You can find more information about the Independent Investigation into Maternity and Neonatal Services in Baroness Amos’ Interim report here: Read the Independent Investigation Report.
Speak to a Medical Negligence Solicitor Today
Please seek the answers you deserve and telephone our experienced medical negligence team on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here, and we will contact you. Alternatively, email us at medneg@bmcf.co.uk.