Improvement pledged after ‘whistleblowing concerns’ over hospital maternity care

Scotland’s public health minister has insisted improvements are being put in place after “whistleblowing concerns” over the safety of mothers and babies at a maternity unit.

Jenni Minto was speaking after BBC Scotland reported 17 concerns about safety had been upheld or partially upheld after an investigation into the obstetrics triage and assessment unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The broadcaster said it had spoken to staff at the unit following the death of a mother in September – after an investigation by the health board had been completed.

Ms Minto expressed her “sincere condolences to the family involved in this tragic case”, and said NHS Lothian has told the Scottish Government a “detailed review” into the death has been initiated “to give them much-needed answers and establish what happened”.

The minister pledged: “The family will be fully informed as the review is carried out.”

She added that the Government and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) are “aware of the whistleblowing concerns raised by staff in NHS Lothian”.

Ms Minto added: “I understand NHS Lothian have investigated the concerns raised and developed an improvement plan with staff to improve patient safety, quality of care and leadership and culture in NHS Lothian.

“They have started to implement the actions in relation to the whistleblowing concerns.”

The Scottish Government has commissioned HIS to develop clear standards for maternity care in Scotland, with these due to be published in summer 2025.

Meanwhile, HIS announced earlier this year it is to carry out “safe care” inspections of maternity services across the country, starting in January.

Ms Minto said: “Improving maternity safety is a paramount, and we would like to reassure mothers-to-be that maternity services in Scotland are very safe for both mother and baby.

“In addition, our world leading Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Improvement Programme works with maternity services across Scotland to drive improvements in care for mothers and babies.”

Jim Crombie, deputy chief executive of NHS Lothian, said: “I extend our sincere condolences to the family involved in this tragic incident and I would reassure them that a detailed review is under way to give them much-needed answers and establish what happened.

“A significant adverse event (SAE) panel, made up of a number of experts including three external clinicians, will carry out the careful review using the normal processes and the report will be shared directly with the family and the service to ensure that all necessary steps are taken.

“We need to wait on the outcome of the SAE and address any recommendations from that, as well as continuing to implement actions in relation to the whistleblowing concerns.

“We would reassure women that their health and the health of their baby is our paramount priority and we have taken a number of concrete actions to ensure we are providing safe care.”

He added: “Since concerns were raised, an improvement plan designed with staff to enhance patient safety, quality of care and improve the working environment and experience for our teams of dedicated staff is already under way.

“All aspects of patient care and workforce have been reviewed as well as staff working patterns, training and environment, as part of an open and transparent plan to work with teams.”