STAFFING pressures in maternity at Scotland’s biggest hospital have left pregnant women suffering delays of “potentially up to 190 hours” when being induced, a health watchdog reported today.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) inspectors at Govan’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital warned mothers and babies were being put at “increased risk” after witnessing delays of up to 21 hours, and noting: “There was evidence of women experiencing delays which exceeded 100 hours, potentially up to 190 hours, due to staffing and capacity within the unit.”

Inspectors found pressures left “many staff” unable to take breaks, noting it had “become an accepted practice” amid a “disconnect with senior managers in relation to the reality of pressures facing the service.”

HIS chief inspector Donna Maclean said a “continued lack of assurance in relation to governance and oversight of patient safety and the impact on the safe delivery of care” meant they had escalated concerns to both the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and the Scottish government.

Responding, NHSGGC director of midwifery Dr Mary Ross-Davie, said 70 per cent of the inspectors’ 26 required actions had already been completed, and £4m had been spent on boosting staffing, while Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am clear that all women, regardless of where they live in Scotland, should receive the same high-quality, positive and personal care.

“When care doesn’t meet expectations or where things go wrong, I expect all health boards to listen to concerns from women and families and act urgently to improve this.”

But in a statement issued on behalf of bereaved families, human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar said: “Too many babies are dying in Scotland, too many questions remain unanswered and too many families lack confidence in our NHS as baby deaths continue to rise.

“Yet another report but what has changed and what and when is it going to change?

“Concerns have been raised repeatedly, lessons and recommendations have been identified before, and yet the same questions, concerns and errors continue to surface. 

“What is needed now is not more examination of the problem, but decisive actions to prevent further loss of life.

“We urge the First Minister and the Health Secretary to meet with those affected to discuss immediate, practical changes that can be made to protect mothers and babies.”