Further Concerns in Maternity Services: Call for an Inquiry into Maternity Services in Leeds

Recent reports have highlighted a number of families’ significant concerns regarding maternity services in Leeds, with experiences of inadequate care, which have resulted in severe trauma and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. These reports underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that maternity services provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for all families.

A total of 67 families have now told the BBC that they experienced inadequate maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust between 2017 and 2024. They are now seeking an independent review into the trust's maternity services - and a group of them have asked Health Secretary Wes Streeting for senior midwife Donna Ockenden to lead it.

With the Ockenden Review into maternity services in Nottingham well underway, the recent concerns regarding the maternity services in Leeds serves as a reminder that these issues are nationwide rather than “one-off”.

The Nottingham Ockenden Review was initiated following numerous reports of substandard care, which led to preventable deaths and long-term harm to mothers and babies. The findings from Nottingham have revealed deep-rooted problems, including staffing shortages, inadequate training, and failures in communication and leadership.

The issues identified in Leeds and Nottingham are not unique to these locations. Across the UK, there have been multiple reports of similar problems in maternity services. These include:

• Staffing Shortages: Many maternity units are struggling with insufficient staffing levels, which directly impacts the quality of care provided.
• Training and Competency: There is a need for better training and continuous professional development to ensure that all staff are competent and confident in their roles.
• Communication Failures: Effective communication is critical in maternity care, yet many reports highlight significant gaps in this area, leading to misunderstandings and errors.
• Leadership and Governance: Strong leadership and robust governance structures are essential to drive improvements and ensure accountability.

Overall, the concerns raised in relation the maternity services in Leeds, alongside the findings from the Nottingham Ockenden Review, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms across the UK. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, regulators, and policymakers to ensure that all families receive the safe, high-quality care they deserve. By acknowledging and addressing these systemic problems, we can work towards a future where maternity services are a source of support and joy, rather than trauma and distress.