What did the NHS England report reveal about Leeds maternity services?

The report found disparities in care for Black and Asian women, with poorer outcomes and negative experiences reported by both mothers and staff.

Why were Black and Asian mothers negatively impacted at St James's and Leeds General Infirmary?

These mothers experienced poorer maternal outcomes, increased risk of premature births, and inadequate after-care, leading to feelings of trauma.

What issues did staff face at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust?

Staff, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, reported discrimination, bullying, harassment, and a lack of representation in senior roles.

Home / Health / Leeds Maternity Care Fails Black, Asian Women

Leeds Maternity Care Fails Black, Asian Women

30 Nov

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Summary

Black and Asian mothers experience poorer outcomes, mirroring national trends.
New mothers felt traumatised due to inadequate after-care and debriefing.
Staff from ethnic minorities faced discrimination and under-representation.

Leeds Maternity Care Fails Black, Asian Women

A critical review of maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals has highlighted serious concerns regarding the treatment of Black and Asian women. The report found that maternal outcomes for these groups are worse than for white women, aligning with national patterns. Babies from ethnic minority communities are also more likely to be born prematurely and require neonatal unit admission.

New mothers reported feeling traumatised by their care, experiencing inadequate after-care packages and a lack of debriefing support. Communication issues, lack of cultural awareness, and the absence of translation services exacerbated these challenges for women from asylum-seeking backgrounds. Astonishingly, despite a disproportionate number of Black and Asian babies in neonatal units, the walls displayed only pictures of white babies.