Lib Dems demand action over increase in child birth injuries
The government must not ignore a "national safety scandal" in maternity services, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said, as figures suggest life-altering childbirth injuries in England have reached record levels.
Lib Dem analysis of NHS figures showed the number of women suffering potentially life-threatening levels of blood loss is the highest ever recorded in England. Three in every 100 women suffered serious tearing injuries requiring emergency surgery in the first half of this year, a "devastating indictment of our NHS maternity services," according to Sir Ed.
The government is expected to publish a new national maternity and neonatal action plan by the end of the year. Speaking at the Lib Dem annual conference in Brighton, Davey pledged to spend £600m a year on maternity services if his party forms government. He noted that £1.3bn a year was currently being spent on "failure" through negligence compensation payouts for poor maternity services, suggesting this investment should go towards prevention instead.
He called for more senior midwives and consultants, emphasizing that overstretched staff were the best way to ensure safe maternity units. "It is a scandal at the moment—we've seen inquiry after inquiry," he said, highlighting the loss of babies as well as injuries to mothers. "Ministers cannot turn a blind eye to this national safety scandal. Mothers deserve safe, compassionate care."
The party pointed to Care Quality Commission (CQC) data showing one in ten women, approximately 54,000, were left alone during late stages of labour or childbirth last year due to staff shortages and lack of training. Over 8,000 women had postpartum haemorrhages with blood loss exceeding 1.5 litres since the start of this year, more than double the number from the same period in 2021, according to the Lib Dems' analysis of NHS figures.
Rates of major haemorrhage peaked between April and June this year, while 32.7 women per thousand needed emergency treatment. The rate of third or fourth degree vaginal tears during childbirth has risen by 29% in the last five years, according to their analysis.
Lib Dem health spokesperson Helen Morgan, who successfully advocated for an independent maternity commissioner, stated, "Years after the Shrewsbury and Telford scandal which devastated my community—my neighbours and friends—women continue to suffer. This must be the moment we say 'enough.'" A 2022 review found catastrophic failures at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust over two decades that may have led to the deaths of over 200 babies. The trust has since apologized and implemented measures to prevent a recurrence.
A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson confirmed that a review due later this year will consolidate recommendations from the Baroness Amos, Donna Ockenden, and Lady Justice Thirlwall inquiries, set clear priorities, and hold the system accountable for improved outcomes.