Helen Whyley, Director of the Royal College of Nursing Wales said, “The RCN in Wales recognises the importance of the duty of care that Health Boards have to ensure that all patients are safe in their care and we welcomed the announcement of independent review last year after concerns were identified in the maternity service provision of the former Cwm Taf University Health Board.
Following the reports' publication today RCN Wales is extremely concerned about the inadequate staffing levels and the presence of a punitive culture where clearly staff raising issues have not been listened to. RCN Wales is calling for urgent action and real investment to successfully implement of all the report’s recommendations to ensure sufficient recruitment and retention of midwives, training of staff and the improvement of the safety culture and leadership at all levels in this service. This has to be open and transparent and dealt with as a matter of urgency going forward. We expect the escalation of both the maternity service and the organisation itself to be closely monitored.”
