Racism and Poor Staff Relationships Linked to Maternity Care Failings, Report Finds

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A new government-commissioned review into maternity services has found that racism, poor team relationships and a failure to listen to women’s concerns were among the “deep-rooted cultural issues” contributing to serious care failings in parts of the National Health Service. The report, published this week, highlights that organisational and interpersonal problems within maternity units can be as harmful as clinical errors — with devastating consequences for mothers and babies.

The independent review — commissioned following a series of high-profile maternity scandals and avoidable deaths — examined thousands of incidents, staff interviews and patient testimonies across multiple trust areas over recent years. While clinical competence was never in question in most cases, the report found repeated themes of distrust between staff, poor communication, and discriminatory attitudes that left women, particularly those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, feeling ignored or dismissed when they raised concerns about their care.

“We found examples of women’s symptoms being minimised, concerns brushed aside and escalation of care delayed — all behaviour indicative of systems that fail to value the voices of those most vulnerable,” the report states. Reviewers emphasised that structural and interpersonal racism had contributed to these patterns, noting that staff members from ethnic minority backgrounds also reported feeling undervalued and excluded from decision-making.

The review identified a clear link between poor staff relationships — including hierarchical silos, lack of team cohesion and fear of speaking up — and adverse outcomes. In some maternity units, midwives and obstetricians said they felt unable to challenge senior colleagues even when they believed a woman’s health was at risk. Others reported that grievances were ignored or managed superficially, eroding trust and undermining patient safety culture.

Patient advocates welcomed the report’s frank analysis, but called for urgent action to ensure recommendations are implemented. These include mandatory training on cultural competence and anti-racism, improved processes for listening to women’s preferences and concerns, and stronger leadership accountability to foster inclusive, psychologically safe environments for staff and patients alike.

Health Minister Wes Streeting said the government would “carefully consider” the findings, and that while the NHS has made progress in recent years, there is “more to do to ensure every woman receives respectful, dignified and safe care.” He confirmed that a task force would be established to oversee implementation of the review’s key recommendations, including measures to reduce discrimination and improve team working.

Representatives from the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said they support the report’s emphasis on culture and communication, affirming that trust between clinicians and patients is as vital as clinical expertise in delivering safe maternity care.

The publication of the review comes as the NHS continues to grapple with recruitment and retention challenges in maternity services, and as families affected by past failures await systemic changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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