VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Maternity Services: Negligence

Asked by Adam ThompsonLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 13 April 2026UIN 123736

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the government plans to include representatives of families with a child harmed by maternity or neonatal negligence, and a representative of women harmed by maternity or neonatal negligence, on the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.

Answered by Karin Smyth

Family voices are at the heart of our work to improve maternity and neonatal care.

There are four family representatives on the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, many of whom have experienced bereavement in maternity and neonatal services. To hear a wider breath of family voices, the taskforce will be supported by three family Expert Reference Groups. These will comprise of people who have lived experience of maternity and neonatal care, particularly, but not exclusively, those families and mothers who have experienced harm or bereavement.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim