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Maternal deterioration remains a major patient safety priority. Recent findings from MBRRACE-UK, the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, the CQC maternity survey and NHS England’s Maternal Care Bundle highlight the need for earlier recognition of risk, timely escalation, stronger multidisciplinary working and safer, more equitable maternity care.
“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.”
NHS England, April 2026
Published in January 2026, the NHS England Maternal Care Bundle sets out national standards to reduce maternal mortality, morbidity and inequalities. Central to the bundle is implementation of the national Maternity Early Warning Score (MEWS) across all settings caring for women who are, or have been, pregnant in the previous four weeks, alongside timely review and escalation in response to deterioration.
Further national standards announced by NHS England in April 2026 include earlier assessment of venous thromboembolism risk, specialist epilepsy-in-pregnancy care, consistent mental health assessment and strengthened board oversight of maternity safety.
“Data illustrates the urgent need for more consistent, high-quality and equitable care across England.”
NHS England, The Maternal Care Bundle, January 2026
This conference will support maternity services to improve the recognition, escalation and response to maternal deterioration, with a focus on implementing MEWS, NEWTT2 and the Maternal Care Bundle, alongside improving care for sepsis, obstetric haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, VTE, mental health deterioration and complex medical conditions in pregnancy.
Through national updates, expert sessions and practical case studies, delegates will explore how organisations are embedding MEWS into practice, improving communication and handover, strengthening multidisciplinary response, and using governance, data and assurance to support safer care.
This conference will enable you to:
Network with colleagues who are working to improve recognition and response to deterioration in maternity care
Learn from those with lived experience to improve practice
Reflect on national developments and learning and how you can improve the effectiveness of MEWS in your maternity service
Learn from best practice in the use of the Maternity Early Warning Score
Develop your skills in advanced maternity care practice and monitoring adherence
Ensure assurance and accountability for implementing MEWs in your organisation
Improving the early recognition and management of deterioration of either mother or baby during or soon after birth
Improve the communication of MEWS and NEWTT2 at the interface of care
Reflect on training and education in maternity services and how this can be supported and improved
Understand how you can foster a culture of psychological safety in promoting teamwork
Identify key strategies for improving leadership, teamwork and culture in maternity services
Learn from leading obstetricians, midwives and researchers in best practice
Improve early recognition and learning from adverse outcomes
Self assess and reflect on your own practice
Supports CPD professional development and acts as revalidation evidence. This course provides 5 Hrs training for CPD subject to peer group approval for revalidation purposes
