Response to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’ National Review of Maternity Services

Responding to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’ National Review of Maternity Services, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

“I’m pleased to see that today’s report reflects the fact that the majority of women in Wales are receiving maternity care that is kind and safe and midwives should be proud of the role they play in making this type of care a reality.

“However, we must also acknowledge the immense pressures on midwives and the wider health and care workforce, and ensure we make caring for their wellbeing a priority.

“We all want maternity care that is kind, safe and effective so where things do go wrong, it’s important we work together to support a learning culture, where staff feel empowered to be honest and can learn from mistakes. I’m encouraged to see from today’s report that where recommendations have been made, in most cases changes have been implemented quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. 

“As our Future Midwife standards set out, and as this report makes clear, it is vital that all women have their views, preferences and decisions respected during pregnancy and birth and where possible, women receive continuity of care.”

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