Litigation associated with avoidable harm in maternity services continues to represent a significant proportion of the clinical negligence claims profile in NHS Wales. Considering the Probable and Certain cases being managed in 2023/24, where Legal and Risk Services have assessed there is a high probability of settlement, maternity services contributed to 15.7% (n=105) of the clinical negligence cases but make up 54.5% (£439m) of the total quantum or estimated cost to NHS Wales. The Welsh Risk Pool actively works with maternity and neonatal services in Wales to identify the themes which lead to claims arising and to support innovative measures to reduce the causes of harm and improve clinical outcomes.
The foremost aim of the safety and learning programmes is to reduce the avoidable harm experienced by women and babies. All programmes aim to reduce variation in approach and standardise the quality of multi-professional training across Wales, with the overarching aim of improving outcomes and experience for women, babies and families. Our programmes are ‘more than just training’ – with a focus on teamworking and human factors, they are designed to promote best practice in clinical practice and a commitment to continuous improvement.
We have grown our team over the last 12 months to support the sustainability of existing programmes and to propel the development and implementation of our new projects.
The Maternity and Neonatal Safety and Learning Programme Board drives the direction of work and is represented by our own team and key stakeholders from partner organisations, including the Clinical Strategic Network, HEIW, Strategic Midwifery Leaders Advisory Group and Welsh Universities.