Statement from the NHS Race and Health Observatory in response to the Independent Investigation into Maternity and Neonatal Services in England: Final report and recommendations  

Responding to the final report and recommendations published today, an NHS Race and Health Observatory spokesperson, said:

“The scale of this report and the avoidable failures and harm to mothers and babies are devastating.

“The scourge of systemic racism is all too clear and present despite the moral and long-standing legal obligation to tackle discrimination and inequalities.

“Addressing preventable maternal and neonatal health outcomes has always been a key area of focus for the NHS Race and Health Observatory. The inequalities outlined in today’s report are immoral, unjust and wrong – they’re wrong because they are avoidable.

“We are in agreement on the recommendations and conclusions of the Baroness Amos report and have programmes and interventions already underway to help shift the inequality dial, including our Perinatal Equity and Anti-Discrimination programme (PEADP) in collaboration with NHS England and perinatal teams across England.

“We offer our sincere condolences to all mothers, parents and families impacted. It’s imperative that the outcomes of this report, and other investigations, are acted upon. Urgent improvements need to be made and the voices and concerns of mothers, parents and families must always be heard.

“Our evidence-based work clearly identifies how poor workplace culture, lack of leadership, bias and discrimination destroy lives, and result in substantial financial payouts for the NHS.  We are actively addressing the numerous inequalities evidenced across maternity and neonatal services.  Our programme of work is also supported by our development of an anti-racism approach to Quality Improvement (MFI-AR) for practitioners..

“Our Anti-Racism Principles and  Improvement resource set out the systemic, workforce and patient-facing changes required to deliver safe and culturally responsive care. In addition, we have delivered a 15-month Learning and Action Network, in collaboration with perinatal teams across England. We are committed to working with national and local partners to ensure anti racism principles are prioritised and incorporated across all maternal and neonatal pathways.

“This is a pivotal time for the NHS to act decisively on ensuring leadership and accountability on this critical area, and committing to tackling racial inequalities in maternal and neonatal care.”