There has been a myriad of well-intentioned reports and investigations over the years - and here is yet another one. A line in the sand must be drawn and immediate urgent action taken to stem the tidal wave of avoidable harm and fatalities among mums and babies due to negligent care.

As Baroness Amos highlights, families are forced to fight to get at the truth and are met by hospital trusts which delay, deny and are not transparent.

Lessons are not learned, substandard care persists and more mums and babies are needlessly harmed. An overarching plan to improve patient safety throughout the NHS is imperative. There must be immediate action to implement report recommendations and establish consistent national standards in care.

It remains to be seen if the establishment of the Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce and a newly established Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner will deliver this. We sincerely hope that this role and the other recommendations lead to meaningful change because too many families are put through needless life-changing trauma.

Guy Forster

President

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)