Maternity safety in England: government response due. Have lessons been learned?

Ahead of the Government’s response to the 2021 report published by the Health and Social Care Select Committee into the Safety of Maternity Services in England, Janine Collier, Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence at Tees Law, has undertaken a detailed analysis of the 2021 report highlighting why lessons have not been learned and identifying where she sees key improvements should be made.

Janine identifies the urgent need for improvements in above all else, funding, culture and communication – you can read the full article on our website here.

Janine’s view is that the report flags the same issues raised in previous enquiries. Importantly though, the report makes recommendations around the Rapid Resolution and Redress Scheme (“RRR”) which Janine feels if adopted, could have negative implications in terms of access to full and proper compensation for injured babies and their families.

Additionally, the sweeping reforms proposed in the report in terms of how compensation is calculated would mean that the NHS and social care system would not only have to look after those injured as a result of poor maternity care, but all victims of road traffic accidents, accidents at work and elsewhere when insurers presently foot the bill, something that may not be fully appreciated. 

The Government’s response to the Committee’s report is due on 6 September 2021.