Streeting: Childbirth deaths have been 'normalised'

THE deaths of women and babies during childbirth have been "normalised", the Health Secretary said.

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Wes Streeting told a debate on baby loss in the House of Commons that the level of deaths in England would not be acceptable in other countries.

The debate came as a national investigation is under way into maternity care in England with Baroness Amos, who is chairing the “rapid” inquiry, due to report back in December.

During the debate, MPs spoke of their own and constituents’ experiences of baby loss, as well as racism many have experienced.

Mr Streeting said: "Taking a step back and looking at the overall picture, we've had the normalisation of deaths of women and babies.

"We have levels of loss and death in this country which are simply not tolerated in others. We have a shocking culture of cover-up and backside covering."

Maternity failings at trusts, including Nottingham, were also mentioned during the debate.

Mr Streeting said: “I go back to Nottingham regularly, and honestly dread the prospect of going to another meeting with another family arriving on my right-hand side, at that end of the table with another story to tell, but one that has happened on my watch.”

He added he had been told feto-maternal medicine later acknowledged it was “not normal” to insert the needle four times during an amniocentesis, though “occasionally it can happen if it is difficult getting the needle tip into the amniotic cavity.”

The consultant also confirmed that making four attempts increased the risk of preterm labour.