National Maternity Investigation Launched into England’s ‘Worst Performing’ Services

A major new investigation has been launched by NHS England and the Department of Health into the ten most concerning maternity and neonatal services across the country. This national review, announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aims to address long-standing concerns about safety, leadership, and care quality in NHS maternity units.

A National Call for Accountability

The investigation, announced at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists World Congress, is a response to years of distressing reports from bereaved families and whistleblowers. It aims to uncover the truth behind persistent safety concerns, leadership failures, and a lack of compassionate care that have plagued maternity services across the country. (Read  more about the national inquiry into maternity care announced by Wes Streeting here) 

The new inquiry will be conducted in two phases:

• Targeted Investigations: The first phase will examine up to 10 of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units. These investigations aim to provide swift answers to affected families and hold local leadership to account
• System-Wide Review: The second phase will consolidate findings from previous inquiries into a unified national strategy. This approach is intended to ensure that every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality, and compassionate care, regardless of location.

What This Means for Families

For families affected by substandard maternity care, this investigation offers a long-overdue opportunity for transparency and justice. It also signals a shift in how the NHS and government intend to hold failing services accountable. Immediate actions are being taken to empower NHS England and the Department of Health to intervene more decisively where care is falling short