Scotland: Ministers to order investigation into maternity services

A national investigation into maternity services in Scotland is to be carried out, the BBC understands.

Ministers have indicated that the review will happen when an expert health group assesses how best to conduct it.

It comes after a BBC Disclosure investigation heard calls from families, NHS staff and experts for urgent action to improve maternity safety across the country.

Parents featured in the documentary who lost their babies in Scottish hospitals had demanded an inquiry into maternity services.

Following a damning report into maternity care at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, one of the busiest maternity units in the UK, the Scottish government announced last week that it would set up an expert maternity and neonatal taskforce.

Health Secretary Neil Gray, who revealed that he "nearly lost" his wife during pregnancy after "inaccurate assessments", said the taskforce would listen to "women's experiences of maternity services" and also "the voice of frontline midwives".

Following pressure from bereaved parents, MSPs and health experts, ministers have since confirmed that the taskforce will consider the scope of a national review and examine whether to look into problems with culture alongside the design and delivery of services.

The government confirmed that commitment after a Labour debate at Holyrood calling for a national investigation, with families featured in the Disclosure documentary attending parliament.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: "The heartbreaking truth is too many women and babies are being let down by dangerously overstretched maternity and neonatal services."

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Source: BBC News, 6 November 2025