by Jess Gibson
Baroness Valerie Amos has been appointed by health and social care secretary Wes Streeting to lead a national NHS maternity and neonatal care investigation.
The review, announced in June 2025, aims to identify ways to improve care and safety, with bereaved and harmed families central to the investigation process. They will work with the Baroness to shape her team of expert advisers and the terms of reference.
The investigation will look at up to 10 services across the country. It will also review the maternity and neonatal system as a whole by incorporating findings of past reviews into one clear set of actions to address what health and social care secretary Wes Streeting describes as “systemic problems dating back over 15 years”.
Baroness Amos was selected in line with the preferences of bereaved families, who felt the investigation should be headed by someone with distance from the NHS and therefore able to bring a “fresh set of eyes”.
The investigation begins its work over the summer and will produce an initial set of recommendations by December 2025.
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: “I have been appalled by the many harrowing stories I’ve heard from mothers and fathers let down by the NHS.
“Families asked for fresh eyes, independence and compassion – and that’s why I’ve appointed Baroness Amos. Valerie has an outstanding record of leadership and driving change – nationally and internationally. She will work closely with families to uncover the truth, confront problems and drive the improvements needed so every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality care.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will rebuild the NHS to ensure no family suffers like this again.”
Baroness Valerie Amos said: “I will carry the weight of the loss suffered by families with me throughout this investigation. I hope that we will be able to provide the answers that families are seeking and support the NHS in identifying areas of care requiring urgent reform.”