Inquiry launched into maternity services in England

This week, the King’s Fund has announced the launch of an inquiry into the safety of maternity services in England, with the charitable organisation issuing a call for evidence for its investigation.

With the aim of identifying impediments to the delivery of safety improvements to maternity services and the means to circumvent them, the year-long study aims to involve healthcare professionals from across the field.

Chaired by Baroness O’Neill, president of the British Academy, the investigation will first accept written evidence from relevant parties before hosting oral evidence sessions later in the year.

Baroness O’Neill said: “At present it is sometimes difficult for a woman with a straightforward pregnancy to work out whether it is safer to give birth in a hospital, in a midwife-led unit or at home.

“The inquiry will try to establish a stronger evidence base for decision making.”

She added that the inquiry is calling for the knowledge and input on the efficiency or lack thereof of varying methods from skilled professionals and support staff in order to ascertain and promote best practice in this area.

Last month, the Department of Health launched the Maternity Matters strategy, which set out plans to enable mothers-to-be to choose from a full range of birthing options with their preferred midwife, including home births.