Recent reports in The Guardian highlight current problems in the maternity services that will have significant and deletrious effects on our individual and collective health for many years.
Both Mr Tony Falconer, President, RCOG and Ms Cathy Warwick, President, RCM describe the “clear and present” disaster. Reports from overseas locum registrars who are plugging gaps in middle grade rotas – confirm serious problems in many units with “unacceptable” clinical consequences. Matters have been deteriorating for some time associated with rising birth rates (600,000 to 800,000 in a decade) and reduced, staffing levels. The final nail in the coffin will be the fragmentation of commissioning of maternity services being delegated to local PCTs.
There is much to do to improve the situation – and it is urgent.