National Maternity Investigation: Why Baroness Amos' rapid review must deliver real change
As a medical negligence solicitor, I've witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of substandard maternity and neonatal care.
The recent announcement of a rapid national investigation led by Baroness Valerie Amos into 14 NHS trusts - including Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust - is both a sobering reminder of systemic failings and a critical opportunity to drive long-overdue improvements.
Aims of the rapid review into maternity services
This inquiry, prompted by alarming patterns of baby deaths, maternal harm, and persistent safety concerns, aims to scrutinise services that have failed families for over 15 years. It follows a series of damning independent reviews including East Kent, Morecambe Bay and Shrewsbury and Telford (my own local Trust) — that exposed toxic cultures, ignored warnings, and leadership failures that allowed preventable tragedies to occur.
Will the voices of families be heard?
Baroness Amos has rightly pledged to place bereaved and harmed families at the centre of this investigation. Their lived experiences will shape the terms of reference and guide national recommendations.
This is essential. Too often, families have been silenced, dismissed, or forced to fight for accountability in the face of institutional denial.
Sandwell and West Birmingham: A Trust under scrutiny
The inclusion of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust in this investigation is particularly concerning. Irwin Mitchell represents a number of families concerned about the maternity care they received under the Trust and we've heard distressing first-hand accounts from those we're supporting.
While The Trust has welcomed the review and families deserve transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform. As legal professionals, we know that behind every statistic is a story of loss, trauma, and shattered trust.
Legal implications and the path forward
This investigation must lead to enforceable standards, robust oversight, and a culture where safety concerns are properly and seriously addressed. For solicitors representing affected families, the findings could shape future litigation, inform duty-of-care assessments, and strengthen calls for systemic redress.
I urge Baroness Amos and the Department of Health to act decisively. The interim recommendations due in December 2025 must reflect the urgency of this crisis. Every preventable death is one too many. Every harmed mother is a call to do better.
Conclusion
This is a pivotal moment for maternity care in England. I hope it will transform a system that listens, learns, and protects. As specialists in medical negligence with a great depth of experience in acting for clients effected by substandard maternity and neonatal care, we are ready to support families in their pursuit of justice and to hold institutions accountable when they fall short.
I'm committed to helping victims of medical negligence secure justice and rebuild their lives. I'd urge individuals wanting answers about their maternity care to seek legal advice promptly. In addition to pursuing legal remedies, me and my colleagues actively collaborate with maternity and neonatal care organisations and charities to ensure that clients receive support.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients affected by issues in maternity and neonatal care at our dedicated birth injury claims section.
