NHS trust 'determined' to improve maternity care

Maternity care at Oxford University Hospitals, including the John Radcliffe, has been heavily criticised in recent years

An NHS Trust has said it is "determined to go further" to improve its maternity services after it was included in a national review into natal care.

Maternity wards at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) have come under extreme scrutiny in recent years, with multiple campaign groups raising concerns over care.

In September, the trust was announced to be one of 12 in England that will have their maternity services examined as part of a rapid national review.

Interim chief executive Simon Crowther said it was "working hard to listen with care and compassion to the concerns that have been raised".

"We extend our heartfelt apologies to any family who has not received the standard of care they deserve," he said.

The trust remained "fully committed to learning" from concerns raised, he added.

Announcing the national review last month, health secretary Wes Streeting said maternity services examined over what has been described as "failures in the system".

The trust said it was participating "openly and transparently" with the investigation, which is being led by Baroness Amos.

Over recent years, OUH said it had taken "meaningful steps to strengthen and improve" maternity services.

This included the recruitment of 54 extra midwives, improved training and leadership, as well as investment in facilities.

It said improvements to bereavement services to "ensure that families experiencing loss receive compassionate, specialist support" had also been made.

"However, we recognise that there is much more to do, and the trust is determined to go further," OUH said.

It added that it had offered to work with campaign groups and were keen to "ensure those who wish to be involved are actively engaged in shaping the future direction of our maternity services".

Both the Families Failed by OUH Maternity Services and Keep the Horton General campaign groups have shared stories of traumatic childbirth experiences.