Written question WQ94710

Stories shared by parents in the Listen to Mums report paint a distressing picture of the quality and safety of the care and treatment they had received, resulting in both physical and psychological birth trauma.

As many other reports have highlighted the inquiry suggested that women from marginalised groups, particularly those from ethnic minority communities, appeared to experience disproportionately poor care, which included instances of direct and indirect racism.

An initial assessment has been undertaken about the applicability of the report’s recommendations in the Welsh context, with further work required to understand the full policy implications.

Officials continue to engage with the UK Government to understand plans for the creation of a Maternity Commissioner post and development of a national Maternity Improvement Strategy, as well as exploring opportunities for co-ordinated working between England and Wales.

Many of the recommendations in the report will be addressed through the three-year implementation plan for the Maternity and Neonatal Safety Support Programme which will be delivered by NHS Wales. The Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan has a specific midwifery and neonatal priority action, to improve the outcomes and enhance experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and families.