On Sunday 9 June, ITV broadcast a programme called ‘Maternity: Broken Trust’, which followed numerous families who had suffered a loss and covered topics such as accountability, communication and the impact on the families involved.
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “Our hearts go out to the families featured in the programme and all those who have experienced the injury or loss of life to a mother or baby. Each loss or injury is a tragedy that profoundly affects all those involved.
“Dedicated NHS staff across the country go to work to deliver the best possible care, but are working in services stretched to their limits. The RCOG has consistently called for the government to implement fully funded policies and programmes to ensure all women receive high-quality, personalised and safe maternity care. We are continuing to call for the next government to commit to this in our election manifesto.
“Supporting maternity safety is an absolute priority for the college and we do this within the system through our role as an educator; developing the curriculum, improving standards of care through clinical guidance, supporting career development through exams, facilitating professional development courses and events, and support services for its members. In addition, the College brings its specific expertise to bear on quality improvement programmes in maternity safety and strongly advocates on behalf of women and birthing people and its membership to ensure system wide improvements are identified and delivered. The RCOG is committed to doing everything within our remit to support safety improvements.”
- Read about the RCOG maternity safety programme
- To read Good Practice Paper No. 17 Maternity Triage, click here.
- RCOG response to a public inquiry can be found here.