Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NHS reviews north-east London maternity services amid rising birth rates

Report reveals disparities in maternity outcomes for black, Asian, and minority ethnic women, highlighting increased risks of preterm births and unassisted deliveries

NHS reviews north-east London maternity services amid rising birth rates

The NHS is reviewing its maternity services in north-east London due to pressure from an increasing birth rate.

Women are experiencing more complicated pregnancies and births, driving up the demand for adequate hospital care, according to a report by NHS North-East London (NEL).


Concerns have also been raised over neonatal beds often being full, making “delivering care in the right place and right time” challenging, according to the integrated care board.

Though staff are “hardworking,” they are under increasing pressure.

Chineze Otigbah, a consultant obstetrician at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), said services across north-east London face a “number of challenges.”

She added: “If we continue as we are, we won’t have enough capacity to deliver care where it’s needed in the future. This tells us we need to make some changes, and there are opportunities to ensure our services are safe, high quality, and accessible for all, while meeting growing demand.”

Inequalities across different population groups and communities in the area can impact a woman’s health during pregnancy and affect newborns, the report showed.

NHS NEL found in 2022 that “outcomes were poorer” for black, Asian, and minority ethnic women. A report by the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit found that babies born to south-Asian or black mothers were more likely to be born early and without medical assistance (birth without intervention).

The population of north-east London is currently around two million people. An NHS NEL study from December last year projected an increase of around 300,000 people, an increase of 15%, by 2040. It described the population boom as “by far the largest” in London, equivalent to adding a new borough to the care system’s umbrella.

The Greater London Authority has predicted a 10% population increase in Havering, one of the eight boroughs covered by NHS NEL, over the next twelve years, rising from 262,000 to around 288,000 by 2036. The changing demographics have already begun to strain the suburban borough’s social services.

Ray Morgon, the leader of Havering Council since 2022, told the BBC: “Over a number of years, the demographics in Havering have radically changed. We’ve always been known as an elderly borough—we still are—but what has changed radically is the young persons population.”

He added: “Despite increasing demand for services, budgets have not increased. Equally, the cost of care has rapidly increased.”

NHS NEL, which works with eight borough councils to deliver healthcare, also published a review of its sexual health services this week. It outlined its goals to reduce the number of unplanned and teenage pregnancies over the next five years, as well as the number of abortions and repeat abortions.

The integrated care board plans to increase awareness among residents by making services more available to those with “complicated needs” and ramping up its marketing efforts. It also hopes to reverse the increasing trend of sexually transmitted infections through “effective testing and treatment.”

Residents can complete an online survey on the Case for Change report and how it reflects mothers’ experiences, which will run until September 8. (Local Democracy Reporting Service)

Link to survey: https://northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-maternity-and-neonatal-care/

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less