Released on: 21 September 2021
In response to a new report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 'Safety, Equity and Engagement in Maternity Services', Angela McConville, Chief Executive, NCT, said:
“The CQC report rightly draws attention to the need for improved inter-professional team working in maternity care, as called for in Better Births. An emphasis on listening to women’s concerns and cultural competence is a must. However, these ambitions will not be achieved until maternity services are adequately staffed and calls for a fully supported workforce must be heeded.
“High quality care must be provided for all women through pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. The current inequalities for Black and minority ethnic women and babies, brought to the fore by the COVID-19 pandemic, are totally unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.
“In addition, research has repeatedly shown that the postnatal period is the most dangerous for both mother and baby yet this period is often overlooked. Many mothers and their partners feel ‘dropped’ by caregivers and the system at this vulnerable stage. Postnatal care needs radical reform with clear leadership and accountability to ensure safety for mothers and babies.”
