A new pilot scheme aimed at reducing avoidable brain injuries in babies during childbirth has been launched today in nine NHS maternity units across England. The programme, titled Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC), forms part of the government’s drive to improve maternity outcomes for both women and their babies, and is backed by £7.8 million in government funding.
The initiative is designed to equip maternity staff with enhanced training, enabling them to identify when a baby is in distress during labour and respond quickly. The programme also includes tools to help handle major obstetric emergencies, such as cases where a baby’s head becomes lodged in the mother’s pelvis during a Caesarean section.
The ABC pilot is a collaborative effort involving the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), and The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute. If successful, the scheme could be rolled out nationwide in the coming year, potentially transforming maternity care across England.
Health experts believe this programme could significantly reduce the number of babies born with brain injuries. Recent data indicates that around 2,490 babies required treatment for brain injuries during or immediately after birth in 2021, which amounts to 4.2 cases per 1,000 live births. The ABC programme aims to address this issue by improving clinical practices, communication, and care during labour.
Government Pledges Support for Maternity Safety
Baroness Gillian Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, highlighted the importance of the pilot in improving maternity safety. “This is a critical step toward avoiding preventable brain injuries in babies. We are working to ensure all women and babies receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care,” she said. “The government is committed to supporting the NHS in making urgent improvements to maternity care and ensuring that women’s voices are heard.”
The government also hopes the programme will reduce the rising cost of clinical negligence claims related to maternity care. While maternity cases account for 10% of claims, they represent over 50% of the total value of clinical negligence payments. In 2018/19, claims related to brain injuries at birth reached a staggering £1.86 billion, with some individual cases costing up to £30 million.
Key Focus on Teamwork and Training
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, emphasised the role of training in improving outcomes. “The ABC Programme will help maternity teams improve safety by giving them the tools and resources they need to respond effectively when a baby shows signs of distress during labour,” she said. “By supporting teamwork and fostering a culture of shared responsibility, we can put women and their families at the centre of their care.”
Donald Peebles, NHS national clinical director for maternity, welcomed the pilot, noting that progress is already being made in reducing brain injuries in childbirth. “This programme allows us to further enhance the skills of NHS staff and continue our commitment to improving maternity services,” he said.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said the initiative would not only improve safety but also enhance multidisciplinary training and the sharing of best practices. “Any event of avoidable brain injury is devastating for all involved. We are confident that the ABC tools and training will equip maternity staff with the skills they need to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby,” she added.
If successful, the pilot could be expanded nationally, marking a significant step in improving maternity care and reducing the number of tragic, preventable brain injuries in babies across England.
