The appointment of a national maternity commissioner for England has been met with alarm by Emily Barley, whose daughter's tragic death was linked to failings in maternity care at Barnsley Hospital. Ms Barley, co-founder of the Maternity Safety Alliance, claims that concentrating significant power and responsibility in one individual is "fundamentally dangerous" and unlikely to deliver the transformative change needed.
The decision to appoint a commissioner follows pressure to address systemic issues within England's maternity services, which have been plagued by inadequate care, failure to listen to women, and racism and discrimination. The new role will aim to hold hospitals accountable for persistent failures and drive improvements nationwide. However, Ms Barley argues that this approach is insufficient, stating that it would not have prevented her daughter's experience.
Baroness Valerie Amos, who led the government-commissioned inquiry into maternity care failings, clarified that the commissioner's role is to provide an independent voice and advocate for women and families. Her report outlined eight key recommendations, including improved staffing for maternity triage services, independent investigations for families affected by care failures, and a new system of acknowledging errors promptly.
Despite calls for a statutory public inquiry into maternity care failings, Baroness Amos expressed her view that the proposed changes could have a more immediate impact. The latest NHS data shows that serious incidents in maternity care remain a concern, with efforts to improve patient safety ongoing across all trusts. The appointment of a commissioner aims to drive these improvements at a national level.
For anyone concerned about their maternity care or that of a loved one, speaking directly with their healthcare provider or GP is crucial. NHS 111 and various support organisations are also available for further information and assistance.
The proposed changes aim to eradicate racism and discrimination in the maternity and neonatal system, foster a culture where staff feel empowered to speak up about concerns, and promote a more effective approach to addressing systemic issues within England's maternity services.