England to appoint maternity commissioner after review finds failings

In response to the review's findings and growing pressure, Health Secretary James Murray announced the recruitment of the UK's first commissioner for maternity and neonatal care. This individual will be tasked with addressing persistent failures in hospitals and working to restore public trust in a system marred by scandals. The Amos review made eight key recommendations, including urgent overhauls of maternity triage services to ensure concerns are addressed promptly, and granting families the right to independent investigations if dissatisfied with a hospital's internal inquiry.

Furthermore, the report calls for the replacement of the NHS's compensation system for harmed families with a process that mandates immediate admission of errors. It also emphasizes the need to root out racism and discrimination within the maternity and neonatal system. Lady Amos stated that the role of the commissioner is intended to provide an independent voice and advocate for women and families, rather than concentrating power in one individual.

However, some campaigners, like Emily Barley, whose daughter died due to failings at Barnsley hospital, have voiced strong criticism. Barley described the proposed commissioner role as 'fundamentally dangerous,' arguing that concentrating all responsibility in one person is unachievable and more focused on headlines than genuine change. She also reiterated calls for a public inquiry into maternity care failings.