Record childbirth injuries highlight maternity care crisis

Bringing a child into the world should be one of the safest and most supported moments in any family's life. But for too many families, that simply isn't the case. 

New Liberal Democrat analysis of NHS data has found that life-altering childbirth injuries reached a record high in 2026, adding to growing concerns about maternity services across the country.

The figures come as maternal deaths in the UK have risen to their highest level in a decade, while 65% of maternity units inspected by the Care Quality Commission have been found to require safety improvements. The NHS also paid out more than £1.3 billion in maternity negligence claims last year, highlighting both the human and financial cost of poor care. 

In response, the Liberal Democrats have launched a £600 million maternity rescue plan to make every maternity unit safe. The proposals include guaranteed one-to-one midwifery care for every woman in labour, 24/7 consultant cover, investment in ageing maternity facilities, 300 new consultant midwives, protected staff training and enhanced bereavement support.

The plan is particularly relevant for families across West Berkshire, many of whom rely on the maternity services at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, which is awaiting a delayed and very much needed rebuild to enhance patient safety.

With demand on NHS services continuing to grow, local families need confidence that maternity units have the staff, facilities and resources required to provide safe care at every stage of pregnancy and childbirth. Ensuring maternity services are properly supported is essential not only for patient safety, but also for restoring trust among expectant parents who deserve the highest standards of care.

Investing in safer maternity care would not only improve outcomes for mothers and babies but also reduce the huge costs associated with preventable mistakes and negligence claims.

No mother should be left feeling unsafe, unsupported, or alone during labour. Every family deserves confidence that high-quality maternity care will be there when they need it.