NHS Survey: 18% of Women Felt Concerns Dismissed in Births

A national survey has revealed that nearly one in five women in England felt their concerns were dismissed by healthcare professionals during childbirth, highlighting persistent issues in NHS maternity services amid an ongoing government investigation into systemic failures.

The Care Quality Commission surveyed almost 17,000 women who gave birth in NHS settings this year. It found that 15 percent did not receive relevant advice or support when contacting a midwife at the start of labor, while 18 percent said their concerns were not taken seriously. One in 10 respondents reported being left alone during maternity care at a time that worried them, including 7 percent during the later stages of labor. After birth, 57 percent said they could always get help from staff when needed, but 10 percent received no assistance at all.

These findings come alongside initial reflections from Baroness Valerie Amos, who is leading the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation ordered by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in June. After visiting seven NHS trusts and speaking with families and staff, Amos described the scale of unacceptable care as far worse than anticipated. "Nothing prepared me...