Time for action as report shows disparities in maternity outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic women

30 September 2024

Southwark Council has unveiled a bold plan to improve maternity outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and address racial inequalities after a nine-month investigation highlighted disparities in care and experience.

The ten actionable recommendations aimed at tackling the systemic issues facing women of colour during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early years follow a nine-month public consultation by the Southwark Maternity Commission. Local NHS trusts participated in the commission’s work, and shared updates on the ongoing work across the SEL Local Maternity and Neonatal system.

The Southwark Maternity Commission, co-chaired by Councillor Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, heard from more than 750 local women, families, and healthcare professionals including the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) and Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships (MNVP).

The commission’s final report is published today (Monday 30 September) and sheds light on concerns regarding the quality of care, communication, and cultural sensitivity across local maternity services.

Many women reported feeling dismissed or overlooked by healthcare providers, while fathers and male carers voiced frustration at being excluded from critical conversations and decisions.

The findings also emphasise the need to address wider support systems, including housing, financial stability, employment, and mental healthcare, which play a critical role in the overall well-being of mothers and families.

The recommendations acknowledge that the challenges explored in the report are not unique to Southwark. Change is needed from all partners across the government, the NHS, mental health services, and the voluntary sector.

Key recommendations for Central Government

1. Leadership in addressing racism that leads to unequal maternal health: Introducing clear policies to tackle racism and inequalities in maternity care, including reviewing existing frameworks like the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard.

2. Standardising Maternal Health Data: Working with local authorities to implement a unified system for recording and responding to maternal health data, with a focus on ethnicity to ensure equitable care.

Key recommendations for Central Government, NHS Trust, Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems (LMNSs) and mental health services

3. Improving Workforce Conditions: Reviewing maternity staff pay and working conditions to enhance compassion in care, particularly for Black and Asian mothers.

Key recommendations for GPs, Southwark Council, NHS Trust, Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems (LMNSs) and mental health services and VCFSE organisations

4. Evaluating Service Fairness: Enhancing services for those with complex needs to ensure that maternity care works for all Southwark residents, regardless of their background.

5. Listen to and empower families: Raising awareness of pre-pregnancy health and ensuring women are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their maternity care.

Other recommendations focus on improving communication, fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and Southwark Council, and ensuring the maternity workforce receives the resources and training needed to deliver culturally competent care.

Councillor Evelyn Akoto, who herself experienced a disturbing childbirth, is leading the charge for change: "Fifteen years ago, I went through a traumatic childbirth that highlighted just how important supportive and consistent maternity care is to a healthy birthing experience.

“The UK is known for being one of the safest places to give birth, yet the sad reality revealed in today’s report is that Black and Brown women continue to experience far worse outcomes than their White counterparts.

"We cannot accept this as the new normal. All women deserve to be treated with care and their needs listened to. The time for platitudes has passed – we need urgent action to save lives.

“Our five year plan is a clear call to action, demanding we work together to tackle these inequalities. We cannot do this alone, we need support from all corners of government, our NHS partners, and community led groups, to move the needle in a real way. By getting things right for the minority, we end up improving things for everyone.”

Jacqui Kempen, Head of Maternity NHS South East London, South East London Local Maternity and Neonatal System, said: “This report is welcome. It makes some useful additions to the body of knowledge in this area, and its recommendations align with much of our approach. We recognise that we still have considerable progress to make, but all of us in maternity and neonatal services across south east London are fully committed to working with local people, communities and our partners in health and care to ensure the best experience and outcomes, from pre-conception, through pregnancy, to childbirth and beyond.”

A strategic steering group will be established to monitor the progress of the Commission’s recommendations, involving the council, Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and South London and Maudsley, voluntary groups and maternity health advocates.  This group will ensure that tangible improvements in care, experience, and health outcomes are seen by 2029.

The council is committed to evaluating the impact of these recommendations continually, with a clear focus on reducing maternal mortality, improving care experiences, and ensuring a culturally competent healthcare system.

Page last updated: 30 September 2024