Almost half of maternity services in England checked under a new inspection programme are failing, analysis shows amid concerns over NHS care for mothers and babies.
Regulators began the audit last August after haunting details of the Shrewsbury maternity scandal — which saw hundreds of babies die or suffer brain damage due to inadequate NHS care — came to light.
Fifty-six services have so far been given ratings under the scheme. Eighteen were labelled as ‘requires improvement’ and seven were