NCT responds to the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation

"The harrowing experiences shared by families in Nottingham last week, alongside the findings of today's national review, add to the mounting weight of evidence that our maternity system is failing to deliver safe, equitable, women-centred care. Instead, it is overwhelmed, slow to listen and learn, systemically racist, and unable to manage the increasingly complex nature of pregnancy and birth experiences today.

"These are the issues that women and parents have been campaigning on for years. Time and again, they have bravely spoken out, tirelessly explaining that being listened to, respected, and actively involved in decisions about their care is fundamental to safe pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences.

"Parents rightly expect zero tolerance for racism and discrimination and yet older women, Black and Asian women, and women living in deprived areas continue to be more likely to die during or after pregnancy. Despite commitments to put women and parents at the centre of maternity care, too many still tell us they feel unheard, unsupported and unable to advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right.

"Parents have spent years saying the system needs to change. They should not have to spend years waiting for those changes to happen. This must be the moment their voices shape reform, recommendations are implemented at pace, and every woman, parent, and family begins to see real improvements in the care they receive.

"Listening to women and parents is one of the most important safety measures there is. To achieve this, the government must address the fundamental issues of culture and capacity. Its commitment to creating 1,000 graduate midwife roles and investing in safer maternity and neonatal facilities is welcome. However, true listening takes time, empathy and skill. It can only be delivered by a well-trained and well-resourced workforce who are empowered to build trusting relationships, respond to concerns, and provide safe, personalised and compassionate care.

"The new Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner could play a pivotal role, but they will be set up to fail if the maternity system does not have significant and ongoing ring-fenced investment. The Commissioner must also have genuine independence, statutory and investigative powers, public accountability, and the ability to bring together government, the NHS, charities, midwives, clinicians, and, most importantly, women and parents to create lasting and fearless reform. The clearest measure of success will be whether in the years ahead women and parents feel safer, more listened to and are able to expect high-quality care wherever they live or whatever their circumstances.

"While the review findings are about improving maternity care in the future, thousands of women and parents are relying on these services today. If you are a new or expectant parent, you are not alone. There is support available to help you through your pregnancy, birth, and parenting journey. If you have any concerns about your health and wellbeing, or your baby’s, speak to your midwife or healthcare professional immediately - they are required to listen to you, support you, and act on any concerns you have."