BBC Breakfast: Naga grills Nadine Dorries on NHS pay

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The cash will be used by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to find the best ways of spotting early warning signs of infants in distress. Experts will survey maternity staff and parents and test the best practices for monitoring and responding to a baby’s condition during labour. They will also focus on managing complications during a caesarean section to reduce brain injuries.

Maternity safety minister Nadine Dorries said: “I am determined to make sure as many mums as possible can go home with healthy and happy babies in their arms.

“This new programme, which we’re supporting with over £2.45million, aims to spot warning signs earlier and save lives, preventing families and their babies from facing the horrific ordeal of a life-changing brain injury.

“It will help us deliver on our ambition to halve brain injuries during birth by 2025.”

Aided by the Royal College of Midwives and the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute at Cambridge University, the work will begin with a review of current practices.

RCOG has also been given £449,000 to develop a tool – available free to NHS trusts – to calculate how many doctors each unit needs.

There is a national shortage of midwives and obstetricians and nine out 10 junior doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology report rota gaps. 

Ms Dorries added: “Having the right maternity staff in the right place at the right time means they can learn from one another, give the best care for mums and babies and build a safe and positive environment for both staff and pregnant women in maternity teams.”

RCOG president Dr Edward Morris said: “We’re delighted to receive funding for a new workplace planning tool and project to reduce brain injuries in childbirth.

“This investment will go a huge way to improving the quality of care for pregnant women and their babies.

“We recognise that appropriate maternity staffing is fundamental to providing safe care for women and we hope this tool will give maternity units in England a clear guide to determine how many medical staff they require in their specific setting.”

Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “Every avoidable brain injury leaves families devastated and affects midwives and maternity staff.

“For the vast majority of women and their babies, the UK is a safe place to give birth. However, tragically avoidable brain injuries do happen.

“It’s imperative we work together in maternity services to do all we can to reduce avoidable brain injuries during birth.”

NHS England has already announced a £96million plan to boost the number of midwives and give staff safety training.

The cash boost follows the publication of the first report following the inquiry into the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.

Midwife Donna Ockenden, who is leading the inquiry, is reviewing nearly 1,900 cases of poor care.

Maternity negligence claims account for more than half of all damages paid by the NHS. A single case of a baby suffering brain damage costs millions of pounds.

Last year it emerged one family was awarded £37million compensation to support their disabled son for the rest of his life, following errors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

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