Sir, The findings of the Ockenden report demand an immediate, meaningful and effective response. The danger, even if the many measures suggested are introduced, is tokenism. Many changes will, no doubt, appear to have been introduced but the underlying causes of the shameful practices highlighted in the report will remain.
Although maternity care should be regarded as safe in the UK, there are elements of Shrewsbury/Telford in every maternity unit. What is required is a fundamental and independent review of the training, funding, staffing and provision of all aspects of maternity care. To date, the major maternity stakeholders, over many years, have failed to get their own house in order; they will continue to do so unless independent input is brought in to remedy matters.
