NCT response to Yvette Cooper's plans for new national maternity standards

"Having read her interview in today’s Guardian with great interest, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) welcomes The Secretary of State of Health and Social Care’s commitment to introduce new national maternity standards and her recognition that too many women and parents continue to experience significant variation in maternity care depending on where they live.

“In our open letter following Yvette Cooper’s appointment, we called for urgent action to implement the recommendations of recent maternity reviews and investigations, with clear accountability for delivery and a sustained focus on improving safety, quality and experience across maternity services. The Health Secretary's commitment to tackling the postcode lottery in care, addressing inequalities and identifying problems before they become major safety failures is an important signal that maternity care remains a priority.

“Women and birthing people should be listened to, respected and supported to make informed decisions that are right for them and their baby. That can only happen in a system that has the infrastructure and resources to offer a real choice around place of birth, and continuity of care, where midwives can get to know the women they are caring for, and can respond in real time to their changing needs or circumstances. 

“We are encouraged by the focus on reducing inequalities in maternity outcomes and experiences. Black women, women from ethnic minority communities, disabled women, LGBTQIA+ parents and those living in areas of deprivation continue to face poorer outcomes and experiences. Any new standards must be designed to close these gaps and ensure that those currently experiencing the greatest disadvantage see meaningful improvements in care.

“As these proposals are developed, it will be essential that women's voices and experiences are at the heart of decision-making, and reflected in national standards.

“We remain keen to meet with the Health Secretary to discuss our insights, or host a visit to one of our services, giving her the opportunity to hear directly from women and parents about their experiences of maternity and postnatal services.”