Our Open Letter to England's MPs - England's Failing Maternity Services

Our Open Letter to England’s MPs

The recent CQC report has brought to light critical and ongoing challenges faced by maternity services across England. While we acknowledge the efforts being made by many Trusts, it is clear that systemic issues such as inadequate incident management, staffing shortages, and disparities in care for women from ethnic minority backgrounds continue to lead to devastating consequences for families.

At MAMA Academy, we are deeply committed to improving pregnancy outcomes and supporting both families and healthcare professionals throughout their journey. We believe that solutions must be multi-faceted, addressing not only operational gaps but also providing accessible resources and compassionate support to those most vulnerable.

We understand the importance of timely, accurate information and effective communication in empowering families to make informed decisions. To this end, we offer comprehensive tools such as our Wellbeing Wallets, which serve as practical resources for expectant parents to track key health information and be more actively engaged in their care. Additionally, our Pregnancy Passports ensure that essential medical history is easily accessible, helping to mitigate communication breakdowns between healthcare providers.

Recognising the diversity of families across England, we also provide up-to-date pregnancy information in over 100 languages, helping to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers that often lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for care. Our anxiety helpline is available at any stage of pregnancy, offering emotional support and guidance to those navigating the complexities of maternity care. For pregnant healthcare professionals, who face unique pressures, we also offer a specialised helpline to ensure they receive the support they need during this critical time.

We stand ready to collaborate with NHS Trusts, midwives, and healthcare workers to complement their efforts in improving maternity care. Our focus is not on positioning ourselves as saviours but of being part of a broader solution—one that listens to both the needs of families and the challenges faced by the professionals who care for them.

We agree with the CQC’s call for clearer guidelines, improved data collection, and enhanced training. With our tools and resources, we aim to alleviate some of the pressure on services, ensuring that families receive the care and attention they deserve, while healthcare professionals feel equipped to deliver it.

We call for increased funding, professional development opportunities, and more collaborative leadership across maternity units to ensure that no family faces the trauma of inadequate care. MAMA Academy remains dedicated to working alongside all stakeholders to help address these challenges and contribute meaningfully to a safer pregnancy experience for all.