Daily Politics from the New Statesman Britain’s next maternity scandal
Nov 5, 2025
Investigations editor Hannah Barnes, a leading voice on maternity care, dives into a troubling probe at Oxford University Hospitals. She discusses the alarming failures, including the locking down of non-medical cesarean requests and the dubious OxGRIP scan policy. Personal stories like Alice Topping’s stillbirth highlight systemic issues in UK maternity services. With data revealing avoidable deaths and cultural attitudes complicating care, Barnes calls for accountability and reform in a healthcare system that has prioritized reputation over patient safety.
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Prestige Doesn't Guarantee Safe Maternity Care
- Oxford University Hospitals repeatedly failed mothers and babies despite a world-leading reputation.
- The investigation finds defensive responses and a culture prioritising reputation over patients' needs.
Maternity Issues Are Widespread And Cultural
- Half of England's maternity units require improvement or are rated inadequate, exposing systemic problems.
- The issue appears linked to culture within maternity specialisms, not just money or leadership.
Authority Culture Undermines Informed Consent
- Oxford's culture included an 'Oxford doctor knows best' attitude that limited informed consent.
- Women reported lack of choice and insufficient communication about risks and options.