Half of births take place amid "dangerous" staffing levels – survey

As many as 50% of new mothers have reported experiencing so-called "red flag events" while giving birth, a British survey says today.

The red flag events indicate "dangerously" low staffing levels and included women not receiving one to one care during established labour – or having to wait more than an hour to be washed or to receive stitches after birth.

The findings come from a survey conducted by the National Childbirth Trust and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.

The survey organisers said women were "generally positive" about their maternity care, praising the kindness and professionalism of staff.

About 2,500 women took part in the survey, reporting experiences over the last two years.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said it had been pressing for more consultants and midwives for some time.

It warned of middle grade rota gaps about 30% of the time.

Senior vice-president Professor Mary Ann Lumsden said: “Stretched and understaffed services affect the quality and safety of care provided to both mothers and babies and this report highlights the extreme pressures faced by our maternity services.

"Patient care and safety underpin everything we do and, although the UK is a safe place to give birth and most women have a positive experience, long-term investment is required to ensure that maternity units are appropriately staffed and resourced."

Louise Silverton, of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The fact that half of women have experienced a red flag event is hugely worrying. It is a sign of services under too much pressure, with too few resources and not enough staff.

“This ongoing shortage of midwives and underfunding of services is not delivering the service that women and their families need, and it is storing up health problems for the future that could be prevented."

She added: "Inadequate postnatal care also remains an issue. This report shows that women are not receiving the postnatal care they need with many having to seek help from an already stretched GP and A and E services."