Released on: 20 October 2023
Responding to the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) state of health and adult social care in England report, Angela McConville, Chief Executive at NCT, said:
“Maternity services in England are in stark decline from the pressures of ongoing workforce challenges, poor leadership and underfunding. Sadly, but not surprisingly, those in priority need of care are at greatest risk.
“Staffing shortages are fuelling a system that is no longer fit for purpose, which we can see through dangerous delays, lack of communication and lack of personalised care. Women from diverse ethnic backgrounds and their babies remain more likely to die, whilst a worrying lack of cultural competence among NHS staff is impacting the safety of a steadily increasing number of families. The rising readmission rates for Black women in the early postpartum period are of particular concern.
“The safety of all women and their babies must be addressed with urgency. This starts with strong leadership and a properly resourced maternity workforce, so they can deliver equitable and personalised care for every pregnant woman and new parent.”
You can read the full report, here.
