'End outdated midwifery legislation' says Health Service Ombudsman

An inquiry has found that the lives of new mothers and babies in England are being put at risk by flaws in the way midwives are supervised.

The Health Service Ombudsman's report investigated the deaths of three babies and a mother at Furness General hospital in Cumbria in 2008.

The findings revealed that senior midwives were both supporting their colleagues and investigating complaints.

''It creates a real risk that lessons won't be learned, mistakes won't be identified, and that puts mothers and babies at risk across the country,'' said Health Service Ombudsman Dame Julie Mellor.