Pendle MP, Andrew Stephenson, has praised government proposals to improve safety in maternity services after the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, announced a series of measures aimed at improving the safety of maternity services and reducing stillbirths in the UK.
In a statement to the House of Commons, the Health Secretary announced that from April 2018, every case of a stillbirth, neonatal death or suspected severe brain injury will be investigated.
Investigations will be carried out by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, which was set up in April 2017 to improve safety through effective and independent investigations that don't apportion blame or liability.
NHS Trusts will receive financial incentives to improve maternity services, and a range of new education programmes will be available for healthcare professionals. Consultants will receive training on the care of pregnant women with significant health conditions.
The Government aims to halve neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, injuries and stillbirths by 2025 through these measures.
Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I am pleased that the Health Secretary has announced measures to ensure pregnant women and new mothers are given the best possible care.
“NHS staff in maternity wards do a great job but things can go wrong. When they do, it is essential investigations are carried out so that our NHS can improve its service and bereaved parents receive closure.”