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Liberal Democrats Push for One-to-One Midwife Care Amid Record Maternity Injuries
By Drooid · · How we work
Record Maternity Injuries Drive Political Push
Lib Dem analysis of NHS figures shows that the number of women experiencing potentially life-threatening blood loss is the highest ever recorded in England. In the first half of this year, more than 8,000 women suffered postpartum haemorrhages with blood loss exceeding 1.5 litres—more than double the figure for the same period in 2021. The rate of major haemorrhage peaked between April and June, with 32.7 women per thousand requiring emergency treatment. Additionally, three in every 100 women endured serious third- or fourth-degree vaginal tears that required emergency surgery, a 29 % rise over the past five years. A Care Quality Commission (CQC) survey indicated that about one-in-10 women (? 54,000) were left alone during the late stages of labour or childbirth last year.
Liberal Democrat Policy Push
At the party’s annual conference in Brighton, Sir Ed Davey pledged £600 million a year for maternity services if the Liberal Democrats form government. The party’s proposals include:
- One-to-one midwife care for every woman in labour.
- A consultant obstetrician present on every labour ward at all hours.
- Recruitment of an additional 300 consultant midwives.
Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, argued that previous maternity scandals are “gathering dust” and called for decisive action, citing the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust failures that may have contributed to over 200 infant deaths.
Government Plans and Statements
A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said a new national maternity and neonatal action plan will be published later this year, consolidating recommendations from the Baroness Amos, Donna Ockenden, and Lady Justice Thirlwall inquiries. The spokesperson added that the first statutory Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner will be appointed to keep women’s and babies’ voices central to policy.
The DHSC also announced the extension of “Martha’s Rule” to every maternity and neonatal ward, ensuring that any reports of patient deterioration are acted upon. Since April 2025, the department has invested £187 million to address critical safety risks in the maternity and neonatal estate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ed Davey was part of the coalition government that tore up the national standards for maternity services that Yvette Cooper is now having to restore.” — Labour Party spokesperson