Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking, has written to Baroness Valerie Amos to raise serious concerns about maternity services at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which is now subject to a national investigation into maternity and neonatal care.
The investigation, announced by the government earlier this month and chaired by Baroness Valerie, is one of 14 NHS trusts being reviewed as part of a rapid response to systemic failings in maternity care.
“I know many in Barking and Dagenham will be alarmed that our local maternity services are under investigation,” said Nesil Caliskan. “Parents have shown real bravery in sharing their harrowing experiences with me after years of being ignored, so I am pleased the government is finally taking action.”
In her letter to Baroness Amos, Nesil Caliskan called for:
- Clarity on how families can feed into the investigation, ensuring their lived experiences are heard
- Publication of the investigation’s terms of reference, so constituents understand its scope
- Details of immediate actions being taken to improve care while the investigation is ongoing
Nesil Caliskan also highlighted the recent closure of Barking Community Hospital’s birth centre, which has left expectant mothers to choose between “hospitals rated ‘requires improvement’ or trusts currently under government investigation.”
“From the closure of Barking Community Hospital’s birth centre to the government investigation, it’s clear the local NHS needs an urgent improvement plan,” Nesil added. “I will keep fighting for the safe, local maternity services that our community deserves.”
