Streeting not ruling out NHS maternity inquiry

A FULL public inquiry could be needed into unacceptable NHS maternity care in England, Wes Streeting has indicated.

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The Health Secretary said he was “genuinely open minded” about whether to launch an inquiry but said the urgency of the situation meant he could not delay action.

A review into maternity and neonatal care in England led by Baroness Valerie Amos is due to report in the spring and Mr Streeting acknowledged the problems were “widespread and endemic”.

Mr Streeting acknowledged that some of the families who have suffered poor care had called for justice, accountability and a full public inquiry.

“I'm keeping open the option of a public inquiry,” he said, but added: “A public inquiry takes years. I don’t think we've got time to wait to crack on with maternity improvements.”