The government has announced plans to establish a national maternity and neonatal commissioner after a review identified repeated failures in maternity and neonatal care in England.
The announcement follows a government-commissioned review into the sector, which found persistent shortcomings that necessitate stronger national oversight.
The commissioner will be tasked with overseeing maternity and neonatal services and driving improvements across providers to raise safety and standards across the system.
Details on how the role will be funded, its statutory basis, and the timetable for appointment have not yet been published.
The move is expected to be closely watched by families, clinicians and patient groups as it begins to shape the future of maternity and neonatal services.
