A Llias report comes on the back of two Healthcare Inspectorate Wales inspections that find maternity care at Singleton Hospital lacking.
Llais, an independent body which represents patients in Wales, has highlighted the need for continued cultural, clinical and leadership improvements in maternity care in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Based on surveys, interviews and focus groups it found that many mothers felt unheard, unsupported or unsafe at different stages of their journey: especially during labour, after birth, or when trying to raise concerns.
Themes that are repeatedly raised in its report include variation in quality of care and communication; a lack of continuity and involvement in decisions; inconsistent postnatal support and pain relief; and barriers to raising concerns or being taken seriously.
“The voices in this report show both the challenges and the opportunities for change. What’s needed now is continued leadership across the system to make sure those experiences are heard and acted on,” said Llais chairman Medwin Hughes.
Not acceptable
Jan Williams, chair of Swansea Bay Health Board, apologised and acknowledged the trauma and stress suffered by individuals with a poor experience or adverse outcomes.
Questions about the report were asked in the Welsh parliament.
“I wish to say at the outset that I’m sorry to any family who haven’t had the service they expected or deserved,” said Jeremy Miles, cabinet secretary for health and social care.
Referring to the findings of the report specifically, he added:
“This is not acceptable and this is not the standard that we expect from the health service. I have discussed this report with the chair and the chief executive of Swansea Bay University Health Board, and I expect that the Llais report will be shared with the independent review into maternity services so that the experiences of women can be taken into account.”
He went on to say that the health board had confirmed that it will provide free counselling services for those engaging with the independent review and that it would be making available information about advice, advocacy and support services both locally and nationally.
Sobering reading
The report was focused on experiences at the board’s Singleton Hospital. The hospital has been a focus of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales for some time.
In December 2023, during the inspection of the antenatal, labour and postnatal care, inspectors identified significant patient safety concerns, and an immediate assurance letter was issued to the health board.
“Our inspection identified areas for improvement that posed a risk to patients and staff within the maternity unit at Singleton Hospital,” said Alun Jones, chief executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.
Although maternity services had improved when the hospital was examined again in July last year, issues remained. “Whilst improvements were identified during our return inspection, further action is required,” said Jones.
Julia Reynolds, clinical negligence partner at Leigh Day in Cardiff, called the report “sobering reading”. She is investigating medical negligence claims on behalf of many Swansea families affected by alleged failures in maternity care.
“We can only hope that this report accelerates the urgent changes required, because what I have read here is sadly all too familiar to me as a medical negligence lawyer. It is unacceptable that there are such experiences in maternity care in Wales,” she said.
