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New clinical standards forming part of the maternal care bundle will be rolled out nationally by March 2027.
Trusts will receive funding to help implement the measures with the aim of reducing the number of maternal deaths caused by maternal suicide, blood clots, strokes, cardiac disease, sepsis, obstetric haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia.
Progress against each clinical standard will be presented to NHS trust boards with escalation to regional and national level if local delivery does not meet expected plans.
“Every death during or after pregnancy is a tragedy especially when differences in care may have changed the outcome.
“We still see symptoms of serious medical problems being missed, especially for Black and Asian women.
“By setting out these clinical standards and holding hospitals to account we can significantly reduce avoidable deaths and prevent future tragedies.
“1 in 5 women will have a medical issue during pregnancy, yet many of these aren’t caught early enough – these measures, including more risk assessments in early pregnancy, will ensure no stone is left unturned.”
