NHS maternity services are in a worse state than expected, an initial investigation has found.
Baroness Valerie Amos said “extremely concerning” numbers of women get poor care and that some hospitals are failing even on “basic care” like keeping wards clean.
The report also said that families whose babies die do not get enough kindness or support.
Baroness Amos is conducting an independent review on the orders of Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
In her first impressions, published yesterday, she said: “I knew that this would be challenging but what I have found so far has been much worse than I anticipated.”
“I could not understand why, having read the media reports over the years of the experiences of harmed and bereaved families, so little seemed to have changed.”
“Nothing prepared me for the scale of unacceptable care that women and families have received, and continue to receive.
“It is clear from what I have already seen that change is not only possible, but also necessary and it is urgent.”
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation was set up to look into NHS failings across the country.
It is focused on 12 hospital groups while some of the most concerning receive their own individual inquiries.
Mr Streeting said he wanted families to get “the truth and accountability they deserve”.
Baroness Amos added: “The investigation team and I have a great deal more work to do.”
