Manx Care 'reviewing' findings of landmark UK maternity reports

Inquiries are 'substantial and present important learning opportunities for all maternity services'

Manx Care is currently reviewing the findings and recommendations of two landmark reviews into maternity services in the UK.

The Amos report - conducted by Baroness Amos - looked into National Maternity and Neonatal Investigations, and the Ockenden report - led by Donna Ockenden - reviewed maternity services at Nottingham University Hospital (NUH) NHS Trust.

The Ockenden inquiry, the largest of its kind in NHS history, found leaders at NUH NHS Trust knew there were serious issues at its maternity department for years, but failed to take action.

More than 500 mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm or died due to failings.

Meanwhile, the Amos report found too many women were not being 'listened to, heard or believed', with racism and discrimination 'embedded throughout the system'.

In response to the Amos report, a UK Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "As Baroness Amos' report made clear there have been significant failures across maternity and neonatal services with racism and discrimination driving inequalities in care. 

"The [UK] government is urgently working to drive improvements, and the Secretary of State is personally chairing a maternity and neonatal Taskforce.

"We are rolling out a Perinatal Equity and Anti-Discrimination Programme to tackle unacceptable inequalities in care and outcomes, alongside appointing a dedicated maternity and neonatal commissioner and investing over £185 million to improve maternity and neonatal facilities."

Whilst not inclusive of Manx maternity services, the Island's healthcare provider says the 'two important reviews' are 'substantial and present important learning opportunities for all maternity services'.

As a result, Manx Care says it is 'currently reviewing the findings and recommendations and will report ongoing progress to the Quality and Safety Committee'.