Findings expected to be published in July 2027

A long-awaited review aimed at identifying “systemic changes” to Scotland’s crisis-hit maternity services has begun.

The nine month-long nationwide review will examine how care can be improved for women, babies, and families across the country.

The independent review is being chaired by the maternal and child health expert, Professor Christine McCourt, who is expected to submit her findings and recommendations in July 2027.

The review is expected to conclude in July 2027. Picture: PA | PA

The Scottish government said the review will take a “whole-system approach,” drawing on data, evidence and the direct experiences of women, families and staff at every level of care.

However, some bereaved families have voiced misgivings about the scope of the review, and warned that it was in danger of becoming an “absolute insult” as a result.

It comes after The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday detailed extensive problems across maternity and neonatal care in its week-long series, Scotland’s Maternity Crisis.

The series revealed how nearly 500 high-level incidents which led to deaths, falls, and the sudden deterioration of patients have been recorded across Scotland over the past three years.

Health secretary Angela Constance said the review will dentify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA | PA

It also detailed how hundreds of women have been turned away from hospitals due to maternity or neonatal services being placed on divert, with several health boards citing staffing pressures and capacity constraints, and showed that the number of complaints received by health boards has surged by more than 40 per cent in the past three years.

The review will pay particular attention to how care is provided in rural and island communities. It will also examine disparities in maternal outcomes, including higher rates of maternal mortality among black and Asian women.

The review will run for nine months and will also take account of the unannounced inspections of all 18 of Scotland's acute maternity units currently being carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).

Health secretary Angela Constance said: “I want every woman and baby to receive the high-quality care they deserve. That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already underway of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.

"While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.

"While the vital work of the review is underway, we will continue to take action to improve services, through implementation of the miscarriage framework and HIS maternity standards, the Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Programme, improved bereavement care through the National Bereavement Care Pathway, and new work to improve triage services. “

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokeperson, Adam Harley, was among those to welcome the review. “We have long been raising the alarm about patchy rural maternity services, a shortage of midwifery appointments and an alarming number of diversions between different hospitals,” he said.

“While the review’s findings will go some way toward fixing Scotland’s maternity services, they are no substitute for taking action where it’s clearly needed.”

Prof McCourt said: “The review team is committed to engaging with women, families, healthcare staff and organisations across Scotland to understand both the challenges facing maternity services and the examples of excellent care that can inform future improvements.

“We want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. We encourage anyone with relevant insights to visit the website, learn more about the review and engage with the process as our work progresses.”