The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King’s Lynn has been selected as part of a major national review into maternity and neonatal services. Led by Baroness Valerie Amos, the review is examining maternity care across England with the aim of improving safety standards, reducing the risk of birth injuries, and ensuring families receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.

Why QEH Is Being Reviewed

QEH is one of 12 NHS Trusts chosen for the review based on care quality data, patient feedback, maternity outcomes, and perinatal mortality rates. As a rural district general hospital serving a wide and diverse population, the Trust plays an essential role in local maternity care.

The hospital currently falls within segments 3 and 4 of the new NHS Acute Trust league tables, placing it among those receiving additional oversight and support. These league tables, described by the Government as a milestone reform - aim to improve transparency and highlight where maternity services may be at greater risk of safety concerns or potential maternity negligence.

What Will Happen During the Review

Baroness Amos and her team will visit QEH on 25–26 November 2025 to meet with midwives, obstetricians, frontline staff, and families who have used maternity or neonatal services.

The review will look at:

• what is working well in maternity care
• areas where improvements are needed
• the hospital’s approach to preventing birth injuries
• the culture, communication, and safety within maternity and neonatal departments

Initial national findings are expected in December 2025 , with a full report in spring 2026 .

What This Means for Families

All maternity appointments, scans and births at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn will continue as normal during the review.

Families can contribute their experiences through:

• their midwife or consultant
• the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
• the local Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership

Sharing your story, whether positive or concerning, helps the review team understand where maternity services feel safe and supportive, and where risks of maternity negligence or birth injury may exist.

Why This Matters

This national investigation aims to bring about long-lasting improvements in maternity safety, communication, and the experiences of parents and babies. For many families, especially those affected by a possible birth injury or poor maternity care, having their voices heard provides an important step towards accountability and change.

“We know how deeply maternity failings can affect families, not only when a birth injury occurs, but also when parents feel unheard or unsupported during pregnancy or labour.

“The review at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn is an important opportunity to understand what families have experienced and to make maternity services safer for everyone. If something went wrong in your care, you deserve answers, support, and the chance to move forward with confidence.”
— Chantelle Cooper, Associate Solicitor, Medical Negligence Team

Speak to Our Specialist Maternity Negligence Team

If you or your baby have been affected by maternity negligence or suffered a birth injury at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn , or any other hospital, our specialist clinical negligence solicitors are here to support you.

We will listen to your experience, talk through your options, and help you take the next steps with sensitivity and care.