Urgent Review to Address Failing Maternity Services
Baroness Valerie Amos has been appointed to lead a rapid review into maternity care in England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the decision, praising her “outstanding record of leadership and driving change.” The review will examine up to ten NHS trusts where care is under question.
Streeting stressed the goal is to uncover the truth and push for urgent reforms. However, some families affected by poor maternity care fear the process will fail before it begins. The Maternity Safety Alliance, a group of bereaved parents, believes past mistakes are at risk of being repeated.
Families Voice Concerns Over Trust and Independence
Emily Barley, spokesperson for the Maternity Safety Alliance, said:
“We now believe it will have the same effects as previous such national reviews and achieve nothing but further delay. Meanwhile, babies continue to be killed by NHS failings.”
Families have criticised the way the Department of Health and NHS England handled the appointment process. They argue that their voices were promised a central role but have instead been “ignored, bulldozed, and re-traumatised.” Many are calling for a statutory public inquiry instead of the current setup.
Experienced Leader With a Groundbreaking Career
Baroness Amos brings decades of public service experience to the role. She became the first Black Cabinet minister in 2003, serving as International Development Secretary. Later, she worked for the United Nations and is now the first Black person to head University College at Oxford University.
Her career has been marked by leadership in complex, high-stakes environments. Streeting says he would not have appointed her without being “100% certain” of her integrity and commitment. Amos has promised to carry the weight of families’ losses with her throughout the review.
Working With Families to Build a Trusted Expert Panel
The Department of Health says Amos will work closely with families to select a panel of experts they trust. This is intended to rebuild confidence and ensure the process is transparent. The review’s terms of reference are still being finalised, and work is expected to move quickly to meet the planned completion date in December 2025.
Amos hopes the process will deliver clear answers and highlight urgent changes needed in maternity care. She has committed to engaging directly with families to hear their concerns and ensure they shape the investigation.
