New National System Aims too Prevent Maternity Care Failures Across England
For years,heartbreaking stories have emerged of preventable tragedies within the National Health Service (NHS) maternity units. Recent inquiries have revealed hundreds of women and babies have suffered harm – even death – due to substandard care.Now, a new national monitoring system is being implemented to proactively identify and address risks before they escalate.
This system, called the Maternity Outcomes Signal system (Moss), represents a crucial step towards safer maternity care for all. It’s designed to act as an “early warning system,” alerting regional and national NHS teams to concerning patterns that might indicate declining standards.
A Response to Past Failings
The need for a system like Moss became tragically clear following scandals at several NHS trusts. Investigations uncovered appalling failings in maternity care at:
* East Kent: An inquiry suggested up to 45 baby deaths might have been avoided with better care.
* Shrewsbury & Telford: Parents expressed both relief and anger as a report detailed systemic issues.
* Leeds: Two hospitals saw thier maternity services downgraded due to safety concerns.
* Nottingham: A corporate manslaughter inquiry has been launched into the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
NHS England states that retrospective analysis shows Moss would have flagged concerning signals at these very units before the “serious incidents” occurred. This is a powerful testament to the potential of proactive monitoring.
How moss Works: A Complex Early Warning
health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting describes Moss as “a sophisticated early warning system that will sound the alarm when patterns emerge that need urgent attention.” essentially,the system continuously analyzes data to identify unusual trends that could signal a decline in the quality of care.
For too long, warning signs have been missed. Moss aims to change that, ensuring every mother and baby receives the safe care they deserve.
developed by leading Experts
The development of Moss wasn’t done in a vacuum.It’s the result of collaboration between NHS England and two highly respected figures:
* Dr. Bill Kirkup: Author of a scathing 2022 report on the substandard maternity and neonatal services at East Kent hospital trust. His three-year investigation highlighted critical failings.
* Prof Sir david Spiegelhalter: A renowned statistician who previously demonstrated how monitoring GP death rates could have detected the crimes of serial killer Harold Shipman.
Dr. Kirkup emphasizes that this is a “really positive development” originating directly from the East Kent investigation. He credits the families affected by the tragedy for their tireless advocacy, which ultimately drove these improvements.
Nationwide Rollout & What It Means For You
Moss was initially tested at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and has already been implemented in 48 maternity units across England.
Today marks a meaningful expansion.The system is now being rolled out to the remaining 71 NHS maternity units, providing 24/7 monitoring of all maternity services nationwide.
What does this mean for you, as a prospective or expectant parent?
* Increased Safety: A proactive system designed to identify and address risks before they impact care.
* Greater Transparency: Continuous monitoring and data analysis can lead to more open communication about potential issues.
* Peace of Mind: Knowing that your care is being actively monitored for quality and safety.
Streeting concludes, “We are making sure failures of the past cannot be repeated, and that every mother and baby receives the safe care they deserve.” This new system represents a vital investment in the future of maternity care in England, and a commitment to preventing further heartbreak for families.
Learn More:
* [The guardian – east Kent NHS Trust](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/19/east-kent-nhs-trust-might-have-avoided-
