Sands & Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit view: Safety probes ‘not enough’ to save babies’ lives

One-off inquiries into individual maternity and neonatal units are important but have not led to the fundamental change we need. Too often we see the same mistakes repeated elsewhere, bringing yet more devastation to families and communities.

Our Saving Babies’ Lives Progress Report, published this year by the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit, made clear that the entire system must be improved to protect mothers and babies from harm.

Robert Wilson, Head of the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit, says: 

“There needs to be much more comprehensive and wide-ranging action from government and the NHS than there has been to date – we need a response that matches the scale of the issue.

“We need to move from addressing issues in maternity services as if there are a few outliers that need support, towards a much more fundamental approach that puts in place the key elements of a safe system.”

We will continue to work tirelessly in partnership with our community to make pregnancy and birth safer for everyone, wherever they are cared for.