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Improving care for women and babies across Scotland.

A nationwide review of Scotland’s maternity services begins today, examining how care can be improved for women, babies and families.

Chaired by maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt, the independent review will take a whole-system approach, drawing on data, evidence and the direct experiences of women, families and staff at every level of care.

The review will pay particular attention to how care is provided in rural and island communities, with specific focus on services in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire. It will also examine disparities in maternal outcomes, including higher rates of maternal mortality by Black and Asian women.

The review will run for nine months and will also take account of the unannounced inspections of all 18 of Scotland's acute maternity units currently being carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Prof McCourt is due to submit her findings and recommendations in July 2027.

Health Secretary Angela Constance said:

"I want every woman and baby to receive the high-quality care they deserve.

“That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already underway of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.

"While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.

"While the vital work of the review is underway, we will continue to take action to improve services, through implementation of the Miscarriage Framework and HIS Maternity Standards, the Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Programme, improved bereavement care through the National Bereavement Care Pathway, and new work to improve triage services. HIS will also continue its programme of maternity inspections, driving improvement locally in every acute maternity unit in Scotland, and informing the review."

Professor Christine McCourt said:

"The review team is committed to engaging with women, families, healthcare staff and organisations across Scotland to understand both the challenges facing maternity services and the examples of excellent care that can inform future improvements.

“We want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. We encourage anyone with relevant insights to visit the website, learn more about the review and engage with the process as our work progresses."

Background

www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/scotland-maternity-review 

Christine McCourt is Professor of Maternal and Child Health at City St George’s, University of London, where she leads the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research. Her research focuses on care experience, service organisation and approaches to improving equity in maternity services.