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MP failed by NHS appointed first maternity adviser
TL;DR
Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest, has been appointed as the UK's first maternity adviser to improve maternity care. Her role follows her personal experience with maternity failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Key points
- Michelle Welsh appointed as first maternity adviser in the UK
- Role aims to improve maternity care for mothers and families
- Appointment follows review of maternity failings at NHS
Mentioned in this story
Michelle WelshNHSNottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustDonna Ockenden
An MP whose own experience of giving birth was part of the biggest review of maternity failings in NHS history has been appointed as the government's first maternity adviser.
Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest, will work with families, the government, the NHS and maternity organisations to push for "better, safer care for mothers, babies and families", the Department of Health said.
Welsh said her personal experience had "strengthened my determination to fight for safer, more compassionate maternity care for every family".
The independent inquiry into failings at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, will be published in June.
Welsh, who is also chair of the all-party parliamentary group for maternity, has shared her experience of giving birth to her son William, saying their lives were "put at risk by a failing maternity service" at NUH.
The review, which involves about 2,500 families, began in September 2022 after allegations of harm to mothers and babies and is the largest inquiry of its kind in NHS history.
Welsh said: "I am honoured to have been appointed as the national maternity adviser to the government.
"This role is deeply personal to me. Like far too many women across this country, I know what it feels like to come through childbirth carrying both physical and emotional scars.
"That experience has strengthened my determination to fight for safer, more compassionate maternity care for every family.
"As national maternity adviser, I will work tirelessly to drive forward meaningful reform focused on safer staffing, stronger accountability, listening to women, tackling inequalities and ensuring lessons are learned when failures happen."
Health Secretary James Murray said: "Far too many women and families have been let down by maternity services, and that must change.
"Michelle Welsh brings exactly the commitment and expertise this role demands, and I know she will be a powerful champion for the women and families.
"Today marks a significant step forward in our determination to make maternity care safer for every mother and baby in England."
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said: "I warmly welcome Michelle Welsh to this new role of maternity adviser and look forward to working together to improve maternity care across the country."
Welsh will also sit as a member on the national maternity and neonatal taskforce, which was set up by former health secretary Wes Streeting.
Q&A
What is Michelle Welsh's role as the first maternity adviser?
Michelle Welsh will work with families, the government, the NHS, and maternity organizations to advocate for improved maternity care.
What prompted the appointment of a maternity adviser in the UK?
The appointment follows a major review of maternity failings within the NHS, particularly highlighted by the independent inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
When will the inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust be published?
The independent inquiry into the maternity failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is set to be published in June.
