Picker responds to the national maternity investigation

Responding to the national maternity investigation announced by the Secretary of State, Chris Graham, Group CEO at Picker, said:

“The investigation announced today by the Secretary of State is a welcome step forward in addressing the concerns parents have about the quality and safety of maternity services.

“The 2024 maternity survey, commissioned by the Care Quality Commission and coordinated by Picker, showed there is still much work to be done to ensure that all users of maternity services are receiving safe, high quality person centred care.

“It is particularly concerning that a smaller proportion of survey respondents said they ‘definitely’ had confidence and trust in staff, and cited communication and interaction with staff, and the availability of staff as areas for improvement.

“After a series of high-profile independent reviews into local maternity services, this national investigation must result in tangible improvements for those using maternity services. It is welcome to see that this rapid review will be co-produced with clinicians and parents, and that it will focus on the health inequalities experienced by ethnic minority women accessing maternity services.”