The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) National Review of Maternity Services in England from 2022 to 2024 highlights a deeply concerning issue: the normalisation of patient harm. Despite some areas of excellence, nearly half of the 131 locations inspected were rated as “requires improvement” or “inadequate,” with safety being a major concern.
One of the most alarming findings is that no services were rated as outstanding for safety. This is particularly troubling given the critical nature of maternity care. The report underscores the need for a cultural shift within maternity services to prioritise safety and learning from incidents. The normalisation of serious harm, such as postpartum haemorrhages, is unacceptable and points to systemic issues that need urgent addressing.
Katherine Pearce, Legal Director in the Davies and Partner’s Clinical Negligence team believes: “The normalisation of patient harm in maternity services is deeply unsettling. We must prioritise safety and ensure that incidents are not just recorded but learned from to prevent future harm.”
This is yet another concerning report with cries for improvement, but so far, there has been little visible action to enhance safety. The CQC’s use of enforcement powers to compel trusts to make significant improvements is a step in the right direction. However, the report also emphasises that with the right culture and support, services can improve and learn from one another. The additional resource materials developed by the CQC for maternity staff are a valuable tool in this regard.
It’s clear that while there are dedicated professionals working tirelessly within the system, they are often hampered by broader systemic issues. The focus must now be on fostering a culture of safety, transparency, and continuous improvement. Only then can we ensure that all women and babies receive the high-quality care they deserve.
In summary, the CQC’s findings are a wake-up call. They highlight the urgent need for systemic changes to improve the safety and quality of maternity services across England. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to create a safer, more effective maternity care system.
If you or any of your family have concerns about an issue of patient safety in the healthcare service, please contact one of our team.