Maternity Failings Proving Significantly Costly for NHS

Following the release of the annual report from NHS Resolution for 2021/22, of the £13.3 billion annual cost, failings in maternity care amounted to 60% of that significant cost.

A total of 10,284 clinical negligence claims were reported in 2021/22 which consisted of 1,243 obstetrics claims. This amounts to 12% of all clinical negligence claims by volume.

This demonstrates the significant cost of poor failings in maternity care as 12% of total clinical negligence claims reported amounted to 60% of the £13.3 billion cost.

The figure of 1,243 obstetrics claims is an increase from 1,157 in the previous year. The increase suggests improvements have not been made and illustrates the importance of the Government’s latest plan to improve healthcare and patient safety for women resulting in improvement. You can read about the Government’s latest plan to improve healthcare and patient safety for women here.

Comment

As the NHS continues to be under pressure, underfunded, and understaffed, these latest figures display the significant financial cost of poor maternity services which doesn’t cover the devastating impact these failings have on families across the UK.

Recently, we have seen a report concerning maternity failings at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and reported failings at a number of Trusts across the NHS. Whilst it is important these failings are highlighted, it is more important that the Government support the NHS to carry out the recommendations made.