'Lessons from baby deaths not learned on maternity wards'

Two thirds of units inadequate or need improvement

- By Lucy Johnston SOCIAL AFFAIRS EDITOR

CAMPAIGNERS have blasted the lack of improvement in hospital maternity care after a series of inquiries into baby death scandals called for urgent change.

Almost two thirds of NHS units in England are performing below standard, research reveals.

This mirrored the findings of health regulator the Care Quality Commission for both 2023 and 2024, meaning there has been little noticeable change.

The CQC ratings for NHS maternity units last month showed 63% were rated “inadequate” or “requires improvement”.

A study of these figures, carried out by medical negligence specialists Patient Claim Line, found 13.5% were rated inadequate, 49.6% required improvement, 35% were classed as good and only 2% were outstanding.

London came out worst with 16 units performing below standard, followed by Greater Manchester with eight; North Yorkshire, seven; and Kent and Essex, both with six.

The ratings came after a series of scandals at hospitals blamed on toxic cultures, staff shortages and ignored warnings.