New Maternity Commissioner Needed in UK: Birth Trauma Inquiry Calls for Significant Changes to Healthcare

A recent report from the Birth Trauma Inquiry has called for significant changes to the UK’s maternity and postnatal care, as well as the establishment of a new ‘maternity commissioner’ who would report directly to the prime minister. The inquiry gathered testimony from over 1,300 women, some of whom shared disturbing experiences such as being left in blood-soaked sheets and others who recounted stories of their children suffering life-changing injuries due to medical negligence. According to NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard, the accounts outlined in the report are unacceptable.

In other news, two professional skydivers successfully completed the world’s first wingsuit flight through London’s Tower Bridge. Austrian Red Bull skydivers Marco Furst and Marco Waltenspiel jumped from a helicopter at 3,000 feet, flying down to 35 meters above the River Thames. Furthermore, research conducted by Professor Henrik Salje from the University of Cambridge suggests that babies born by C-section may require two measles jabs for full protection, as opposed to the standard single dose. Salje’s study, conducted in collaboration with researchers from Fudan University in China, found that children born via C-section are more likely to have ineffective immunity following just one measles jab.

A study has also found a link between internet use and higher wellbeing. Wales has become the first UK nation to join the metaverse, and research suggests that the source of sugar, not just the amount, could impact children’s weight. For more information on these topics and more, you can listen to the latest episode of Tech & Science Daily on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.