Concerns raised by maternity review

The 2007 Maternity Services Review assessed health trusts on clinical focus, woman-centred care and efficiency. It found just 11 per cent met requirements for Down's syndrome screening.

Alison Girauld-Saunders, co-director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, said: "If stretched maternity services are unable to carry out basic tests, it is unlikely expectant parents will receive the right kind of support."

The review found 64 per cent of trusts provide women with a named midwife to support them and raised concerns about staffing levels in some trusts.

A spokesman for the Nursing & Midwifery Council said: "The review shows UK maternity services are world class but there are areas for improvement."

Health Secretary Alan Johnson last week announced a £112m annual increase for maternity services over the next three years.

- www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.