MP failed by NHS appointed first maternity adviser

An MP whose own experience of giving birth was part of the biggest review of maternity failings in NHS history has been appointed as the government’s first maternity adviser.

Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest, will work with families, the government, the NHS and maternity organisations to push for “better, safer care for mothers, babies and families”, the Department of Health said.

Welsh said her personal experience had “strengthened my determination to fight for safer, more compassionate maternity care for every family”.

The independent inquiry into failings at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, will be published in June.

Welsh, who is also chair of the all-party parliamentary group for maternity, has shared her experience of giving birth to her son William, saying their lives were “put at risk by a failing maternity service” at NUH.

The review, which involves about 2,500 families, began in September 2022 after allegations of harm to mothers and babies and is the largest inquiry of its kind in NHS history.

‘Powerful champion’

Welsh said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the national maternity adviser to the government.

“This role is deeply personal to me. Like far too many women across this country, I know what it feels like to come through childbirth carrying both physical and emotional scars.

“That experience has strengthened my determination to fight for safer, more compassionate maternity care for every family.

“As national maternity adviser, I will work tirelessly to drive forward meaningful reform focused on safer staffing, stronger accountability, listening to women, tackling inequalities and ensuring lessons are learned when failures happen.”

Health Secretary James Murray said: “Far too many women and families have been let down by maternity services, and that must change.

“Michelle Welsh brings exactly the commitment and expertise this role demands, and I know she will be a powerful champion for the women and families.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our determination to make maternity care safer for every mother and baby in England.”

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said: “I warmly welcome Michelle Welsh to this new role of maternity adviser and look forward to working together to improve maternity care across the country.”

Welsh will also sit as a member on the national maternity and neonatal taskforce, which was set up by former health secretary Wes Streeting.

Baroness Amos is carrying out a separate rapid review of maternity services in England, with the final report due next month.

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Department of Health