RCPCH statement following the review of maternity services at the former Cwm Taf University Health Board

A report into maternity services at the former Cwm Taf University Health Board has been published today. RCPCH comments on the findings.

In response to the report, Dr David Tuthill, Officer for Wales at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

The findings of this review are concerning and demonstrate both the systemic and individual failings that took place in hospital maternity care in Cwm Taf between 2016 and 2018. Every step must be taken to ensure preventable deaths and long term harm do not happen. Patient safety needs to be the top priority.

The focus of maternity services has to be healthy mothers and babies. For that to happen, it’s crucial that the whole health team – doctors, midwives and nurses - work together throughout pregnancy, labour and post-birth with families. There is a wealth of well developed standards for neonatal care and it is crucial that all units are following the appropriate guidance.

The RCPCH has been involved in this review, with an expert paediatric member on the RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) review team. We are keen to work with the Welsh Government’s independent maternity oversight panel to take the recommendations forward and ensure the best possible outcomes for babies and families. All of us want the best, safest care that the NHS can give to be found throughout Wales.