Representative bodies issue joint statement on Ockenden report

SoR and other organisations pledge support for change in the wake of damning review of Shrewsbury maternity services

Published: 11 April 2022 Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The Society of Radiographers, The Royal College of Anaesthethists, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Statement, The British Assoication of Perinatal Medicine, The Royal College of MIdwives and The Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association have issued the following joint statement for those working in  maternity and neonatal services:

"As the representative bodies for those staff working in maternity and neonatal  services, we broadly welcome and support the Immediate & Essential Actions set out  in the Ockenden Report. One of the key findings of the report was the challenges  around culture within workplaces, including between professionals. By coming  together, we want to demonstrate – both to our tens of thousands of members and to  the women and families in their care – that we are committed to change that culture  for the better. 

"We are grateful to the Review Team for highlighting the issues we have all been  raising for some time, particularly around workforce shortages and a lack of long term, consistent investment. We commit to working collectively to influence  politicians and decision-makers, at both a national and local level, to deliver the  positive change that women, families and staff deserve. 

"Over the coming weeks, we will work with representatives of service user groups to  ensure our response to the Immediate & Essential Actions is proportionate,  deliverable and reflects the needs of all those working within and receiving care from  maternity and neonatal services."