A wide-ranging independent review of maternity services across Scotland has officially begun, aiming to identify how care can be improved for women, babies and families while addressing long-standing concerns around safety, access and health inequalities.
The review, chaired by maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt, will take a whole-system approach, examining evidence, performance data and the experiences of women, families and healthcare professionals working across maternity services.
Particular attention will be paid to the challenges faced by rural and island communities, with specific focus on maternity provision in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire. The review will also investigate disparities in maternal outcomes, including the higher rates of maternal mortality experienced by Black and Asian women.
Running alongside ongoing improvement work, the review is expected to continue for nine months and will consider findings from the unannounced inspections currently being carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) across all 18 acute maternity units in the country.
Professor McCourt is expected to submit her final recommendations in July 2027.
The Scottish Government says the review will be shaped by the experiences of families who have used maternity services, alongside contributions from staff working throughout the healthcare system.
Scottish Health Secretary Angela Constance said:
"I want every woman and baby to receive the high-quality care they deserve.
“That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already underway of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.
"While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.
"While the vital work of the review is underway, we will continue to take action to improve services, through implementation of the Miscarriage Framework and HIS Maternity Standards, the Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Programme, improved bereavement care through the National Bereavement Care Pathway, and new work to improve triage services. HIS will also continue its programme of maternity inspections, driving improvement locally in every acute maternity unit in Scotland, and informing the review."
The independent review comes at a time of increased scrutiny of maternity services across the UK, with growing calls to improve consistency of care, strengthen patient safety and tackle inequalities in outcomes for mothers and babies.
By examining services across both urban and remote communities, the review is expected to provide recommendations designed to improve maternity care delivery, support workforce development and ensure equitable access to high-quality care regardless of location.
The findings are likely to play a significant role in shaping the future direction of maternity services across Scotland.
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