New Government plans for NHS maternity services: What can we expect?
With a newly elected Government, including the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting’s attention now turns to the plans and action that will be taken to improve NHS services. In their manifesto, Labour set out plans regarding the NHS, with an ambition to build an NHS fit for the future, where investment should go hand in hand with fundamental reform.
Here, we consider what we know so far regarding the plans for NHS maternity services.
Manifesto promises for maternity care
Labour recognises that patient safety is at the heart of NHS care. Their manifesto included the following:
- They state that “childbirth should not be something women fear or look back on with trauma”. They acknowledge that, to improve maternity services, there must be an emphasis on supporting NHS Trusts, stating “Labour will ensure that trusts failing on maternity care are robustly supported into rapid improvement.”
- They promise to “…train thousands more midwives as part of the NHS Workforce Plan [published in June 2023] and set an explicit target to close the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap.”
- They pledge to “…digitalise the Red Book record of children’s health, improving support to families.”
- They acknowledge that treatment in the NHS is dependent on effective administration of services with a promise to implement professional standards and regulate NHS managers.
- They commit to establishing a Royal College of Clinical Leadership, to champion the voice of clinicians.
The official State Opening of Parliament took place on 17 July 2024 and it is expected that further details on plans to support NHS Trusts in improving maternity services and implement the manifesto promises will follow, especially given the emphasis on reforming the NHS during the election campaign.
Our specialist maternity team
At Browne Jacobson, we are committed to assisting NHS Resolution with delivering on their strategy to improve maternity outcomes. Our specialist maternity division can provide advice and support to Trusts including considering ways to improve maternity and neonatal services. If this is something which would be of assistance to you or you would like some further information on how we may be able to support or advise you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Browne Jacobson’s Maternity Services Resources Hub also provides resources and information about our specialist team and includes our contact details.
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