RCOG President restates the College’s resolute commitment to supporting system-wide maternity improvements
The final report on Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust maternity services by Donna Ockenden’s investigation team published today (Wednesday 24 June).
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“My heart goes out to families who have been let down by maternity systems in Nottingham and elsewhere, in some cases with devastating outcomes.
“Today’s report adds to the weight of evidence showing that safe staffing levels, dedicated time for staff training, and modern maternity facilities are not optional extras, but are critical to safe, personalised and compassionate care.
“Without urgent government investment in these, families using maternity services and the staff working in them will continue to pay the price.
“The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation report is imminent, and these reports must be the turning point where the whole system unites behind a clear, fully-funded action plan that delivers meaningful improvements quickly. I am absolutely committed to the RCOG playing a leading role in our collective improvement journey.”
Today’s report follows previous investigations identifying consistent systemic issues, over the last decade, which have resulted in over 740 recommendations and actions. The national action plan must coalesce whole system change enables continuous learning, when avoidable hard has occurred and also from the positive experiences and outcomes across the system.
The RCOG will continue to champion families and front-line clinical teams, as a member of the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.
We are absolutely committed to supporting safe maternity care by providing doctors with comprehensive and innovative education and training to provide excellent care, and to producing evidence-based clinical guidelines that support best practice.
Our shared purpose is that every woman and every baby receives high quality, safe, personalised and compassionate care.
Notes
- For media enquiries, contact the RCOG press office: pressoffice@rcog.org.uk or +44 (0)7986 183167
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is a medical charity that champions the provision of high-quality women’s healthcare in the UK and beyond. It is dedicated to encouraging the study and advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. It does this through postgraduate medical education and training and the publication of clinical guidelines and reports on aspects of the specialty and service provision. For more information visit: www.rcog.org.uk