Trust ‘concerned’ about rising C-sections

A trust rated “inadequate” for maternity services has reported what it describes as a “concerning” increase in caesarean sections to its board.

Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust said the proportion of births delivered in this way was “approaching 50-65 per cent”, in its August board papers.

A report from the quality committee, written by non-executive director Annette Gamell, said: “We are observing a concerning trend of increasing caesarean section rates… potentially indicating systemic challenges in our current maternity care pathways.”

BHFT – which runs maternity units in Luton and Bedford – told HSJ the most significant factor in the rise was the increasing number of complex pregnancies in its communities.

It said enhanced monitoring protocols meant more people were being screened for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and autoimmune disorders before giving birth, which could lead to greater medical involvement. 

A BHFT spokeswoman said it was “committed to understanding in more detail the multiple factors” behind its C-section rates. But she said the trust was committed to supporting informed choice. “Our priority remains ensuring the safest and best possible outcomes for the women/birthing people and babies in our care,” she added.

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Source: HSJ, 21 August 2025