This morning, the Government have announced that fourteen NHS Trusts will have their maternity services investigated, as part of the wider rapid review of maternity and neonatal care in England.
This work must hear from families affected by group B Strep, and their voices must be listened to. Their experiences – often marked by heartbreak and trauma – have already helped shape the terms of reference for this investigation, and their courage in speaking out will help drive change.
The review must hear from those in seldom heard communities, whose experiences are too often overlooked. It also needs to learn from good and improving practice—not just where things have fallen short—so that we can build on what works and make care better for everyone.
We hope that the review will result in practical and effective recommendations that will improve maternity and neonatal safety in every hospital across England. But to achieve that it needs to listen to families, tackle inequalities, and ensure compassionate care is at the heart of every maternity service.
It’s so important that families and staff at these hospitals are supported throughout this process. We know that most births are safe, and that staff work hard to provide the best care they can. But where things have gone wrong, we must learn and act.
Group B Strep Support stands ready to contribute and support this work. Every family deserves safe, respectful, and high-quality care – nothing less.
