Increase in funding for already better-staffed midwifery services

In January 2024, the Daily Mail reporting a drop in the number of midwives, had: Women are dying during childbirth at the same rates as two decades ago, ‘alarming’ new data shows. An independent review into maternity deaths showed 293 women died during pregnancy and within six weeks of giving birth between 2020 and 2022. Experts said the upward trend is the most compelling evidence yet that failures now span ‘across the entire maternity system’ and is ‘not just one or two hospitals.’ The overall rate in 2020-2022, was 13.41 deaths per 100 000 births and based on the graph … Continue reading Increase in funding for already better-staffed midwifery services

Crime victims in England and Wales ONLY paying thousands for court transcripts

By Professor John Robertson The headline is correct but the report is missing something. This, from the Scottish Government in February 2024: Victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases in Scotland will be the first in the UK to have access to transcripts from their court cases free of charge. The year-long pilot, commencing this week (01/03), will see complainers whose cases are heard in the High Court be eligible to apply for transcripts of what was said in court. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:   “We want to support victims and ensure we have a trauma-informed justice system. … Continue reading Crime victims in England and Wales ONLY paying thousands for court transcripts