Heartbreaking cases where the emotional toll and cost to families is ‘indescribable’

Lady Amos described hearing “heartbreaking cases” and said the “emotional toll and cost to families is indescribable”.

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She added: “Women, babies and families deserve maternity and neonatal care that is safe, compassionate and equitable wherever they live.

“Too often, this investigation heard that people were not listened to, that harm was repeated, and that families were left without clear answers or accountability when things went wrong.

“This report sets out practical action to change that.” On her recommendations, Lady Amos said the new maternity commissioner must be accountable to Parliament and have a “relentless focus on improving maternity and neonatal care”, with the aim of redesigning the service.

This includes “clear minimum national standards for safety and putting in place effective governance and accountability.”