Blackpool NHS trust’s update on probe into maternity services ‘failures’

A latest update says Blackpool’s NHS trust is “fully engaged” with a national investigation into reported failures in its maternity and neonatal care.

In September last year,  Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – based  at Blackpool Victoria Hospital – was among 14 trusts across the country named in the investigation, to be led by Baroness Valerie Amos.

The review aims to address systemic problems in maternity services spanning more than 15 years, with bereaved families placed “at the heart” of the work.

The announcement came after a series of independent reviews at trusts across England found repeated failings, including safety concerns being overlooked, women’s voices ignored, and poor leadership creating toxic workplace cultures. 

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “What they have experienced is devastating and their strength will help protect other families from enduring what they have been through. 

“I know that NHS maternity and neonatal workers want the best for these mothers and babies, and that the vast majority of births are safe and without incident, but I cannot turn a blind eye to failures in the system.”

At Blackpool Council’s Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, members were presented with an update on the progress since the investigation was launched.

The report by Cat Parkinson, Head of Midwifery and Neonatal Maternity at Services Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “ An initial site visit was undertaken in December 2025, followed by a further on-site assessment in January 2026, involving obstetric and midwifery reviewers. 

“The review team met with executive leaders, clinical leaders, frontline staff and partner organisations. 

“Dedicated staff and family engagement sessions were facilitated independently of the Trust, supported through the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) and the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP). 

“The current status is that the Trust has fully engaged with the review process and has provided all requested documentation, assurance evidence and access to staff.

“The review is being undertaken alongside existing regulatory and improvement activity and does not replace or pause current governance, safety oversight or improvement plans.”

An interim report was published last month, with a final report anticipated later in 2026.

The update added: “The Trust recognises that further work is required and remains committed to continuous improvement.”