CQC Report Finds UK Maternity Units Unsafe

A recent report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed that two-thirds of NHS maternity services are considered unsafe, receiving ratings of 'inadequate' or 'requires improvement'. This alarming finding indicates that issues highlighted in previous scandals, such as those at East Kent and Shrewsbury and Telford, are widespread and not isolated incidents. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the situation as a 'national shame' and acknowledged that the current state of maternity care keeps him 'awake at night'. The report calls for increased national action and ring-fenced investment to address persistent shortcomings, including poor management and inadequate facilities. Activists have criticized the recommendations as insufficient, warning that countless lives are at risk. Inspections of 131 maternity units were conducted between August 2022 and December 2023 as part of efforts to address these issues.