Following the Ockenden review, Wera Hobhouse MP calls for better perinatal mental health training

Today has seen the release of the Ockenden report, an investigation into maternity deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust. The review will hopefully mark a turning point for the bereaved parents whose children were failed by the care provided:he initial probe into baby deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust> The review identified seven 'immediate and essential actions' and 27 local recommendations.

1. Enhanced safety
2. Listening to women and families
3. Staff training and working together
4. Managing complex pregnancy
5. Risk assessment throughout pregnancy
6. Monitoring foetal wellbeing
7. Informed consent

Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse spoke today and said "Our heart goes out to all those who have suffered these tragic events and losses; those of us who are parents or grandparents suffer with these families. May I ask the hon. Lady a question as the Minister for Mental Health? The mental health of mothers during and after pregnancy is vital, not just in the tragic circumstance of baby loss or severe injuries during birth. Will she ensure that training in perinatal mental health becomes a strong focus for improving maternity services across the country?"

Read the debate in the House of Commons here
hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-12-10/debates/D1AA9BD9-DC78-47D0-BCEE-84E3A3A94199/OckendenReview