MBRRACE-UK Report 2025

Baroness Gohir Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

It is important to say that we are not waiting for the results of investigations or task forces in order to take action. A number of projects are already in train and making a difference. For example, we are rolling out maternal mental health services and specialist perinatal mental health services in every area across the country. I will give one example to address the point that the noble Lord raised. A single patient record will ensure that maternity teams have all the information they need about previous consultations. That will be of great assistance in improving safety and efficiency.

[Baroness Gohir (CB)]

My Lords, NHS Resolution was, strangely, not collecting ethnicity data for maternity negligence claims. It is apparently doing so now—after I challenged them. This was the case even though minority-ethnic women have poorer outcomes. Can the Government provide assurances that ethnicity data is now being collected properly? What assessments have the Government made so far on maternity negligence claims for minority-ethnic women? I am happy to receive that information in writing.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I would be very pleased to make that information available in writing. The noble Baroness makes an important point. Data is key to our advances, particularly where we are seeking to address inequalities on racial lines.