The Scottish Government has announced an independent review of maternity services in Scotland, to be chaired by Professor Christine McCourt.
The review is expected to begin after the summer and is estimated to be completed within nine months. Speaking to MSPs, Health Secretary Angela Constance set out that the review will consider if Scotland has the right maternity services in place to meet the changing and complex needs of women and families, including consideration of the increasing number of women entering pregnancy later in life and with more complex health needs.
The RCOG welcomes the forward-looking review and the Health Secretary confirming the review will listen to both those receiving and delivering care. Obstetricians in front-line services can provide expert insight into what enables the provision of good care as well as the challenges facing maternity services in Scotland currently.
The College looks forward to working closely with the Scottish Government as this review progresses, with the shared goal of ensuring its findings lead to maternity services that are better able to provide the high-quality, safe and compassionate care that all women and babies deserve.
- Access our maternity safety hub here.