National Investigation into Maternity and Neonatal Care, Key Information

The government has announced that 14 NHS Trusts are now part of a rapid national investigation into maternity and neonatal care in England.

This investigation was ordered earlier this year following multiple reports over the past 15 years that highlighted concerns with maternity services, including women and birthing people saying their voices were not heard, safety issues being missed, and problems with leadership and culture.

According to the government, the review will take a national approach and include input from families who have experienced harm or bereavement. Their experiences are expected to inform the investigation’s findings and final recommendations.

The review will examine:

The quality and safety of maternity and neonatal services
The experiences of women, birthing people, and partners
Inequalities in outcomes, particularly for Black, Asian, and marginalised families
Obstacles that have made it difficult to improve services

Interim findings are expected in December 2025, with a single set of national recommendations due after the investigation concludes.

The 14 Trusts under review are:

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Oxford University Hospital
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust / Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

The investigation will run alongside a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce chaired by the Health and Social Care Secretary. This taskforce will continue to examine safety concerns, inequalities, and leadership issues across the maternity system.

For people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, news of investigations like this may raise questions about the care they receive. If you have concerns about your care, you can speak with your midwife or healthcare team.

MAMA Academy will continue to report updates as this investigation progresses.