In February, a review of 94 infant fatalities during childbirth in the West Midlands between 2008 and 2009 decided 35 of these had been given sub-standard treatment and the babies’ deaths would had been avoidable if there had been additional staff members and also increased standards of care. The report by the West Midlands Perinatal Institute explained that the maternity service was stretched and short of staff.

This report comes at a time when infant deaths at 14 NHS trusts have risen sharply as the Government falls short of its promise to take on extra midwives to ease the shortage. David Cameron promised 3,000 additional midwives prior to the election, however the coalition has not honoured the promise.

The Royal College of Midwives claims 4,500 further midwives will be necessary to provide an acceptable service. Experts warn that the standard of maternity care in UK hospitals is at risk from an underresourced system that is placing women and infants at risk.

Fourteen of the UK’s NHS trusts reported significantly increased infant mortality levels that are as much as double the nationwide average. Staff shortages, the growing birth rate, inadequate training, inferior equipment and also weak management are exposing mothers in childbirth to unacceptable risk levels.

The 14 NHS trusts that were highlighted were not identified however the report indicates the issues with the UK’s maternity services have been on the increase for 10 years, influenced by the 19% birthrate increase and a 12% rise in the number of midwives.