rapid review
In June 2025, the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Wes Streeting, announced that he had commissioned a rapid review of maternity services, which would focus on a small number of Trusts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rapid Review?
In June 2025, the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Wes Streeting, announced that he had commissioned a rapid review of maternity services, which would focus on a small number of Trusts. On 15 September, 14 Trusts were named as being part of the review. These are:Ā
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS TrustĀ
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustĀ
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation NHS TrustĀ
- East KentāÆHospitals Foundation NHS TrustĀ
- Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation NHS TrustĀ
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustĀ
- Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustĀ
- Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS TrustĀ
- The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS TrustĀ
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kingās Lynn NHS Foundation TrustĀ
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustĀ
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustĀ
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustĀ
- Somerset NHS Foundation TrustĀ
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It was decided that rather than having more independent reviews, such as the Ockenden Review into maternity services in Nottingham and Kirkup Review into services at Morecombe Bay, a national review would be able to investigate at pace.Ā Ā
How has the review come about?
The RCM has raised concerns with successive Governments about the underinvestment in maternity services, with too many of our members working shifts that are consistently understaffed and under-resourced, and often in buildings that are not fit for purpose. These are systemic issues which are failing staff, women and families alike. In addition, the RCM has called for greater accountability around maternity and neonatal care at executive and Board level within Trusts.Ā Ā
We know that midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) go to work every day wanting to provide safe, good quality care, but too often the systems in which they work prevent this.Ā Ā
This Rapid Review was announced by the Health Secretary in response to calls from those women and families who did not receive the care they should have expected. The RCM has been clear that the voices of staff, many of whom have also raised concerns but have not always been listened to, also need to be heard as part of this review, so that all of those involved in maternity care can work together on the improvements we all want to see.Ā
How and why were the 14 Trusts selected?
The Trusts were selected based on a combination of data from the CQC inspection reports and maternity patient survey results. MBRRACE-UK perinatal mortality rates and feedback from families was also considered. Geographic spread, social, economic, and racial inequalities also were a factor in how the individual trusts were chosen. The terms of reference are available here.
Does the RCM support the review?
Yes, the RCM has welcomed the review. However, we have been critical of the multiple delays since the review was announced in June, both in terms of announcing which Trusts are involved and in publishing the reviewās terms of reference. We know that these delays have had a negative impact on our members.Ā
The RCM is also concerned that, despite being described as a ārapid reviewā with a target reporting date of December 2025, the slow pace so far risks undermining that commitment. In early September, the RCM wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting to raise these concerns and urge that no further time be lost.Ā
Both staff, and the women and families, accessing services within the named Trusts need support during this difficult period. We have also been clear that the focus of the review should be on improvements in outcomes and closing the gap in inequalities.Ā Ā
What does it mean for RCM members working in the Trusts under investigation?
The RCM will be doing all it can to support you, our members during the investigation. Your local RCM Steward, Health and Safety rep and learning reps will be fully supported by your regional RCM team. Together they will be able to provide the help and support you need at this difficult time. The Regional Team will prioritise the 14 Trusts for face–to–face visits to hear direct from members and local reps will meet as often as necessary with the appropriate senior leadership team in your Trust.Ā Ā
Havenāt some of the Trusts under investigation already been the subject of reviews and investigation?
Yes – Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals, East Kent Hospitals and Morecambe Bay have previously been subject to investigations. The rapid review team has confirmed that learnings from those reviews will be incorporated into this work. The RCM has also called for any positive improvement work that is already underway to be included and considered by the investigation team and for good practice and learning to be shared.Ā
Are there implications for all members?
Currently no, but when the investigation concludes and the recommendations for national improvements are published, there will be much work to do for all maternity services across England. The government has said this investigation will urgently look at Trusts where concerns have been raised as well as across the entire maternity system, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of actions.Ā Ā
My Trust is under investigation what can I expect?
At this stage, there is very little detail on this. As soon as we know, we will share this with you.Ā
We have already made improvements in our service that we feel are working, how will the investigation and its outcomes impact us?
The RCM has urged the government and the reviewās investigation team that they must not lose sight of the progress already being made in many maternity services. The RCM believes we need to build on that progress, share examples of good practice, and make sure learning from this investigation is acted on swiftly so that real improvements are delivered for women, families and staff.Ā
How will the investigation be carried out?
A detailed methodology is being developed for this investigation with the independent chair. When it is published, we will update this FAQ to contain further details.Ā
The terms of reference details that evidence will be collected through methods, including:Ā
- Local investigations into maternity and neonatal services in the selected trusts.Ā
- A call for evidence from the public.Ā
- Evidence panels with groups including: families; Black, Asian and other seldom heard communities and inequalities experts; academies and clinicians; and maternity and neonatal healthcare professionals.Ā
- A desktop review of recommendations made by previous public enquiries and national investigations.Ā
- A desktop review of national and international examples of good practice of maternity and neonatal services.Ā
- Data requests from local and national organisations.Ā
Will I be interviewed or asked to give evidence as part of the investigation?
At this stage, there is very little detail on this. As soon as we know, we will share this with you.Ā
If I am called for an interview will a RCM workplace representative be allowed to accompany me to the interview?
Until we know the nature of the investigation, we arenāt able to answer that question. As soon as we have more detail, we will share it. The RCM will be working with the Rapid Review team to get clarity on this so that our members are properly and fairly supported throughout the process. We will also continue to develop resources and signpost to existing resources for members, which we will share here.Ā
Can I decline to be involved with the investigation or any interview request or be compelled to take part in an investigation, even if I no longer work at the Trust involved?
The NMC Code (s23) requires that all registrants have to cooperate with any investigation.Ā
I have concerns about practice and safety at my Trust who can I raise those concerns with?
We know that escalation isnāt always easy. We have a suite of Standing Up for High Standards resources, including a publication and i-learn module, which provide advice on how to do this safely and appropriately. If you have any queries or concerns, please do contact RCM Connect who can put you in touch with your regional team.Ā
Will there be a direct way to raise concerns with the review's investigation team?
While we donāt yet know the process we think this should be an opportunity to raise ā especially if this has been an ongoing issue. We will be working to ensure the voices of our members are heard throughout the process ā either directly or collectively. When we have further clarity we will investigate how best to do this collectively.
What does the investigation mean for the women and families Iām caring for?
Just as it is for you as staff, this will be difficult for the women and families accessing care at any of the 14 Trusts names. In the announcement of the selected trusts of the 14 NHS trusts, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, Kate Brintworth, said:Ā
āI want to reassure women and families that staff are continuing to work hard to provide the best possible care and want to do everything they can to support them. We would encourage them talk to their midwives and maternity teams if they have any concerns.āĀ
Secondary Care Minister, Karin Smyth MP, added in a statement to Parliament:Ā
āExpectant parents should not be discouraged from visiting their local hospital, wherever it is, because of this investigation.āĀ
How should I respond to women who may ask questions or be concerned that our service is under investigation?
Supporting women and families is in your DNA as midwives and MSWs. Your Trust should be advising on how to respond to womenās questions and concerns, which you should refer to.Ā
Some of the services under investigation are currently temporarily closed - how will that work?
Many maternity units are now amalgamated with neighbouring trusts.Ā Ā
The RCM will continue to support all members working in any of the services or sites involved in the review, whether those services are currently active, temporarily closed, or have been integrated elsewhere.Ā
What is the RCM doing to support members during this process
We understand that this is a really challenging time for staff in the named Trusts. Thatās why we are visiting workplaces to hear direct from RCM members and, where possible, working with Trust management. Each Trust, and each workplace within those Trusts, may have different needs, so we will be listening to what you need and reflecting that back to managers, particularly around their duty of care to you as employees.Ā
I am currently not an RCM member, but feel I may need to join the RCM now, how can I do this?
You can join the RCM online by visiting rcm.org.uk/join-us/ or by callingĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
RCM Connect advice line on 0300 303 0444. Membership gives you access to professional support, legal advice, workplace representation, and access to CPD and wellbeing resources.Ā
If I join the RCM now, will I receive representation and support immediately?
Yes, once you join the RCM, you will have access to our full range of support and services. However, please be aware that representation for issues that arose before your membership began may be limited. That said, our team will always do their best to support new members and ensure you receive the advice and guidance you need.Ā
What should my Trust being doing to support me during the investigation?
Your Trust has a responsibility to support you during this time, which weĀ would expect to include:Ā
- Clear and regular communication from senior leadership, with opportunities to ask questions.Ā
- Access to support services, including Employee Assistance Programmes and Occupational Health (with self-referral options).Ā
- Reinforcement of whistleblowing and incident reporting policies, including support for those raising concerns.Ā
- Visible leadership that listens and acts from the board down.Ā Ā
- A commitment to duty of candour and being open and honest when things go wrong.Ā Ā
- Facilities time for workplace representatives, so they can properly support colleagues.Ā
- A commitment to a no-blame, just and learning culture, where the focus is on improvement and support.Ā Ā
What are the expectations of me as an RCM workplace rep in my Trust?
As a rep your role is vital during a time like this. We understand that this may mean an increase in workload and responsibilities. Your expectations should include:Ā
- Adequate facilities time ā you should be supported to have time away from clinical duties to fulfil your rep duties.Ā
- Protected time off for trade union duties, particularly as more members may approach you for advice or support.Ā
- Access to up-to-date information and resources from the RCM to help you support members.Ā
- A safe space to escalate concerns to your regional officer or through RCM Connect.Ā
- Opportunities to provide feedback to the RCM on whatās happening in your workplace, so we can represent your concerns nationally.Ā
Midwifery Educators
What are the expectations for midwifery educators in the named Trusts?
The NMC requires universities with midwifery programmes who have students in the named Trusts to complete an Exceptional Reporting Form. This is a standard procedure where there is concern about an event or incident in a placement Trust. The Exceptional Report must be completed with oversight from the Lead Midwife for Education (LME).Ā
The NMC has also reported that they will require a mapping document to be completed by all universities with placements in the named Trusts. The details of this are yet to be confirmed and will be communicated to LMEs once the NMC has finalised the mapping document.Ā
What support is there for midwifery educators?
The RCM, in collaboration with the Chair of the LME Strategic Reference Group, have held two meetings to support LMEs, particularly those who have placement areas in the named Trusts.Ā Ā
At the request of LMEs, we will be continuing monthly drop-in sessions during the review, for those who would like to continue peer to peer support. These drop-in sessions will also be an effective way to share information between universities.Ā
What is the available support for students?
Universities are currently supporting their own affected students. RCM student members can continue to reach out to RCM representatives should they require additional support.Ā
Will placements in named Trusts be changed or withdrawn?Ā
We are not aware of any universities that have withdrawn students from placement at this time. You should continue to follow your placement schedule and if you have any concerns, contact your Lead Midwife for Education (LME) in your university.Ā