The findings of a national assurance assessment of Maternity and Neonatal care and services in Wales have been published today.

The report - The Path to Safer Beginnings in Wales - draws on the learning from the independent review of services in Swansea Bay University Health Board and reviews of maternity services at NHS trusts in England. 

The report makes eight recommendations to improve maternity and neonatal care in Wales, including:

• safe staffing levels and improved hospital estates to deliver safe, quality care.
• improving access to mental health support, including fathers and partners.
• consistent reviews and investigations, which include families.

"Today’s Maternity Assurance report shows that too many families in Wales are not receiving high quality care and support after pregnancy and baby loss. They deserve better.

"It's good that the Welsh Government has accepted all the recommendations in today's report, but without a clear commitment to change, and clarity on what better care looks like, it won't be possible to measure progress.

"Bereaved families and Sands have been calling for targets to save more babies’ lives in Wales and for better mental health care following baby loss. It is vital that the National Strategic Oversight Board to drive improvements across Wales listens to the voices of bereaved families.

"With elections this year to elect the next Welsh Government, now is the time for all political parties to commit to saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families."

- Sands' Chief Executive Clea Harmer

Sands is here for you

We understand that news like this can be upsetting for everyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. Sands is here to support anyone who needs this for as long as they need.

You can also find out more about our campaigning work in Wales and how you can get involved.