The NHS Alliance responds to the Nuffield Trust’s report on women’s experiences after birth

Responding to the report ‘Who needs emergency care in the year after giving birth?’ and the experience of women post birth by the Nuffield Trust, Matthew Hopkins, interim acute and ambulance network director at The NHS Alliance, said:  

“The stark findings of this report highlight the profound impact that structural racism, socioeconomic deprivation, barriers to accessing services and unequal experiences of care continue to have on women's experiences before, during and after childbirth.

“Longstanding racial and mental health inequalities affecting women remain, something which is deeply concerning, especially as these disparities continue into motherhood. To address these challenges, we must foster inclusive cultures that promote dignity and respect for women and families, while supporting a compassionate, inclusive workforce.

“There are important lessons to be learned here about preventive care, earlier intervention and targeted, coordinated support as motherhood begins. NHS leaders and maternity teams across the country will be carefully considering these findings, alongside Baroness Amos’ review of maternity and neonatal services. Health services and maternity leaders must be supported to implement and sustain meaningful improvement, translating learning into greater transparency, accountability and better outcomes for women, babies and families.”