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Head of Scottish maternity review pledges to listen to bereaved families

Prof Christine McCourt says talking to a range of people will help draw the right lessons for improvement

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
The head of a major review of maternity services in Scotland has promised that bereaved families will have their voices heard, after concerns they would be excluded from the forward-looking inquiry. The review, which began this week, was ordered by the Scottish government following a BBC Disclosure investigation into failings in maternity care across the country.

Prof Christine McCourt, who is leading the review, told BBC Scotland that hearing from a range of people would be valuable in "drawing the right lessons for improvement". The review is expected to report back next summer.

Families had expressed concern that the review would not take into account how they felt failed by the NHS. The Scottish government said the review would consider the "direct experiences of women, families and staff at every level of care".

The review was commissioned after a BBC Disclosure investigation highlighted failings in maternity care across Scotland. In the film, Lori Quate shared his experience of losing his wife Jacqui Hunter in 2020. The review aims to identify lessons and improve services for the future.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The review comes amid ongoing concern about the quality and safety of maternity services in Scotland, with families seeking accountability and systemic change.
  • Whether bereaved families feel heard will affect public trust in the NHS and the credibility of the review process.
  • The outcome could shape maternity care policy and practice across Scotland, potentially influencing other UK nations.

Background

The review was ordered by Scottish ministers a year ago following a BBC Disclosure investigation that documented failings in maternity care. The investigation included the case of Jacqui Hunter, who died in 2020. The review is forward-looking, focused on improving services rather than investigating individual cases, which had led some families to worry their experiences would be overlooked.

Key Perspectives

Prof Christine McCourt (review chair): She has emphasised the importance of listening to a broad range of voices to identify the right lessons and drive improvement. Bereaved families: Some have expressed concern that a forward-looking review might not adequately address past failures or acknowledge their suffering. Scottish government: It has stated the review will take account of direct experiences from women, families and staff at all care levels.

What to Watch

  • Whether the review establishes formal mechanisms for family engagement beyond public submissions.
  • The publication of the review's findings and recommendations next summer.
  • How the Scottish government responds to the review's conclusions and whether it commits to implementing changes.

Sources

Zotpaper

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