A newly published report has raised serious concerns about the state of maternity care in England, exposing NHS trusts with disturbingly high infant mortality rates. The analysis, conducted by the Health Service Journal (HSJ), highlights seven NHS trusts whose infant mortality rates have consistently been at least five percent higher than the national average. Among them, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust stand out as the worst performers, with both having breached this threshold in five out of the seven years reviewed during the investigation.

The report underscores the growing alarm over the state of maternity services, with higher-than-average baby deaths in key trusts, contributing to a wider crisis in the NHS’s ability to deliver safe and effective care during pregnancy and birth.

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust are at the centre of the scrutiny, with both trusts reporting exceptionally high mortality rates year on year. In 2023, Sandwell recorded a mortality rate of 4.98 per 1,000 births, significantly higher than the average rate of 4.05 in comparable trusts. Meanwhile, Leicester reported a rate of 5.34 per 1,000 births, well above the 4.49 group average for trusts offering the highest level of neonatal care. The findings highlight the persistent nature of the issue, with these two trusts consistently ranking poorly across the years studied.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which has also faced public outcry over the preventable deaths of 56 babies earlier this year, was also flagged in the report. Here, higher-than-normal death rates were recorded in four out of the seven years reviewed, reinforcing the need for a deeper investigation into the causes behind these figures.

Other trusts, including those in Bradford and Calderdale and Huddersfield, were noted for their higher-than-expected mortality rates. However, some trusts, like Bradford, have been praised for developing robust mortality review processes that involve families and neonatal networks in efforts to identify themes and improve practices.

Underlying Staffing Crisis

One of the key factors underlying these maternity care failures is the ongoing staffing crisis within the NHS. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has warned that the NHS is currently facing a shortage of 2,500 midwives, a deficit that places immense pressure on maternity units. Frontline midwives have previously described working in the NHS as akin to “playing a warped game of Russian roulette,” due to dangerously low staffing levels and the constant risk of harm to both mothers and babies.

A Call for Urgent Reform

The findings of this report serve as a wake-up call for the NHS and the government, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reform of maternity services. With high infant mortality rates at several NHS trusts, the risks to mothers and babies are clear. Addressing the staffing crisis, providing better resources, and ensuring that all trusts are held to the highest standards of safety and care are essential to improving outcomes.

As the public and healthcare professionals continue to demand action, the government must act swiftly to ensure that the tragic deaths of infants are prevented and that every mother and baby receives the safe, compassionate care they deserve. The stakes could not be higher, and the need for change is both urgent and necessary.

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