Independent Review Launched into Scotland's Maternity Services
Nationwide examination aims to enhance care for women, babies, and families, with a focus on rural areas and addressing health disparities.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
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A stethoscope on medical charts with a blurred Scottish landscape in the background.
An independent, nationwide review of Scotland's maternity services has commenced, aiming to identify systemic changes and improve care for women, babies, and families across the country.
An independent review into Scotland’s maternity services has begun today, with the objective of enhancing care for women, babies, and their families throughout the nation. The review will adopt a comprehensive, whole-system strategy, utilising data, evidence, and direct feedback from women, families, and healthcare staff at all levels of service provision.
Particular attention will be paid to the provision of care in rural and island communities, with specific areas of focus including services in Caithness, Elgin, and Wigtownshire. The review will also investigate disparities in maternal outcomes, noting the higher rates of maternal mortality experienced by Black and Asian women.
The review is scheduled to run for nine months and will incorporate findings from unannounced inspections of all 18 of Scotland's acute maternity units, currently being conducted by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Professor Christine McCourt, a leading expert in maternal and child health, is chairing the review and is expected to submit her findings and recommendations in July 2027.
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"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."
Health Secretary Angela Constance stated that while the majority of mothers receive good care, she has heard from families who felt let down or experienced loss. She emphasised that these experiences must inform improvements. Alongside the review, the government will continue to implement measures such as the Miscarriage Framework, HIS Maternity Standards, the Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Programme, and enhanced bereavement care through the National Bereavement Care Pathway. Healthcare Improvement Scotland will also continue its inspections, driving local improvements and informing the review.
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"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."
Professor Christine McCourt highlighted the review team's commitment to engaging with a diverse range of individuals and organisations across Scotland to identify challenges and examples of excellent care. She encouraged those with relevant insights to visit the review's website to learn more and participate in the process.
Professor Christine McCourt is a Professor of Maternal and Child Health at City St George’s, University of London, leading the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research. Her research interests include care experience, service organisation, and strategies for improving equity in maternity services.
