Professor Christine McCourt to chair independent review into Scottish maternity care

Professor Christine McCourt, Professor of Maternal and Child Health in the School of Health & Medical Sciences at City St George’s, University of London, will lead a forthcoming review into improving maternity services across Scotland.

The appointment was announced by the Scottish Health Secretary Angela Constance in an update to the Scottish Parliament in June.

As part of the process, Professor McCourt will examine how maternity services can better meet women’s needs across the country, including how care is provided in rural and island areas. This will include a specific review of services in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire. The review will also address the higher maternal mortality rates of Black and Asian women, informed directly by the voices of Black and Asian women, as well as how NHS boards engage meaningfully with their communities on decisions they make about maternity services.

The full scope and terms of reference will be published by the Chair, and they are expected to focus on the views and experiences of women, their families and staff.

At City St George’s, Professor McCourt leads the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research. Her research focuses on care experience, service organisation and approaches to improving equity in maternity services.

Professor McCourt said:

"Positive maternity experiences and outcomes are vital for our health and wellbeing. I look forward to listening and learning from families and communities across Scotland, as well as from those who provide dedicated care in our NHS. This will help draw out lessons for maternity and neonatal services and contribute to ensuring the best possible care for all."

Ms Constance said:

“Every woman in Scotland deserves safe, compassionate and high-quality maternity care, regardless of where she lives.

“I am pleased Professor McCourt will lead our review. She will consult with clinical experts and engage with families and patient groups, including those in rural and island areas such as Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire.

“This independent review fulfils a commitment we made for our first 100 days in government. It will build on improvements already being made in the NHS, including the maternity standards launched earlier this year. It will be carried out at pace and completed within nine months.

“I am clear this review will deliver real and tangible change for women and their families.”