Maternity commissioner role called ‘fundamentally dangerous’ by campaigner
7 reported
A bereaved mother who founded a maternity safety campaign group has warned that the appointment of a national maternity commissioner for England would be "fundamentally dangerous." Emily Barley, whose daughter Beatrice died due to failings at Barnsley hospital in 2022, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the recommendation from the Amos review was "not going to do what we need to move maternity safety forwards." Health Secretary James Murray announced the move in response to Valerie Amos's government-commissioned inquiry, which described a system characterized by poor care, failure to listen to women, and racism and discrimination. Barley, co-founder of the Maternity Safety Alliance, said concentrating power in one person was "insane" and seemed designed to "grab headlines." She repeated her call for a public inquiry into maternity care failings. Lady Amos responded that the role is about providing an independent voice and advocate for women and families, and expressed her personal view that a statutory public inquiry was not needed.
What’s reported
Emily Barley's daughter Beatrice died due to failings at Barnsley hospital in 2022.
Barley co-founded the Maternity Safety Alliance.
Health Secretary James Murray announced the recruitment of the UK's first commissioner for maternity and neonatal care.
The Amos review concluded the maternity system is characterized by poor care, failure to listen to women, and racism and discrimination.
Amos made eight main recommendations, including overhauling maternity triage services, giving families the right to independent investigations, and replacing the NHS compensation system.
Amos told BBC Breakfast the culture must change so staff understand how to deal with trauma and people feel able to speak up.
Amos stated her personal view that a statutory public inquiry was not needed, as it would take too long.
Key figures
Emily Barley, bereaved mother and co-founder of the Maternity Safety Alliance
James Murray, health secretary
Valerie Amos (Lady Amos), author of the government-commissioned inquiry
Sources: The Guardian
