- Dr Bill Kirkup resigned from Baroness Valerie Amos’s government-commissioned review into NHS maternity services, citing the removal of criticism regarding 'normal birth ideology' from the final report.
- Kirkup, who previously led inquiries into maternity scandals, stated that the omission of this criticism, which he views as a patient safety danger, prompted his departure, despite evidence that it remains an issue in some areas.
- He claimed a version of the report including the criticism was approved but removed eight days before publication, suggesting Lady Amos 'listened to the wrong voices' on the matter.
- NHS England responded to the Amos review by outlining a 10-point plan, committing to safe triage services, dedicated midwifery staffing, and adequate clinical capacity, aiming for a significant improvement in maternity care.
- The government plans to appoint a national maternity commissioner, as recommended by Lady Amos, to implement changes, while independent reviews into poor maternity care by Donna Ockenden continue across various NHS trusts.
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