BY Dawn-Maria France (award-winning UK Journalist).
The National Health Service (NHS) has long been regarded as one of Britain’s most esteemed institutions, championing the principle of accessible healthcare for all since its inception in 1948.
I have great respect for the NHS and regard the many people who work for this institution very highly for their skills, hard work, and the difference they make in the world.
Despite its many accomplishments, the NHS still grapples with significant issues related to equity and patient care, particularly concerning maternal health for women of colour.
Understanding the NHS and Its Challenges
The NHS is lauded for its model of care, funded primarily through taxation and delivering services without upfront charges. This system has sparked global conversations about healthcare reform. However, it is essential to critically assess not only the services provided but also the disparities within them, especially across demographics.
A Disturbing Reality: Maternal Discrimination
The alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women in the UK signal a concerning trend. Figures reveal that Black women are five times more likely to lose their lives during childbirth compared to white women. Reports like the Maternity Mortality Inquiry indicate glaring disparities in both care quality and outcomes.
Personal stories reveal systemic failures in maternity care. For example, many women of colour, including my mother, faced discrimination and dismissive treatment from healthcare professionals, exposing the urgent need for reform.
One particularly distressing moment came when a doctor presented my father with a card intended for me after my birth to have a permanent placement with a childless white couple.
My father’s frustration mirrored my mother’s pain, who felt that the options suggested to her and my dad were not only dismissive but also profoundly unjust. The memory of hearing such remarks remains vivid for her.
When I was born, my mother gave birth without medical assistance. I made no sound. Still attached to my mother, I lay motionless. She grappled with the fear that I might not survive.
Frightened and alone, as my dad was at work, she looked on as the NHS maternity staff ensured the white mothers were fine, and as the only black new mother, she clearly didn’t matter – she was sick with fear, looked down on me, a newborn, motionless and still. Eventually, the maternity nurse attended and gave me a slight slap with a ruler until I made a noise.
In pain and ignored, my mother and my dad kept asking for assistance, as my mother cried in pain, and ignored – then three days later, feeling unwell and determined that something was wrong, she insisted on an examination despite the staff’s gaslighting.
Thankfully, both she and my father pushed back, ensured her stitches were finally removed, and it was ultimately discovered that the placenta had been left inside her — a shocking oversight that could have had dire consequences.
This moment of being a new mother and my dad as a new parent should have been filled with joy; instead, it was overshadowed by anxiety, exacerbated by the lack of attentive care from the maternity staff.
The Voices of Women
Prominent figures, including UK Television presenter Rochelle Humes, have shed light on this urgent issue through documentaries such as The Black Maternity Scandal. Humes emphasised that many Black women feel healthcare professionals overlook their pain.
This sentiment resonates deeply with the experiences of many, including my mother, who deserved support during such a pivotal time.
Cultural Competence and Systemic Bias
Implicit bias and a lack of cultural competence in healthcare can lead patients to recognise that awareness and accountability are crucial for meaningful reform.
The Five X More Black Maternity Experiences Survey conducted in July 2025 found that over half of Black women experienced challenges with healthcare professionals. Alarmingly, a significant percentage felt their concerns were not appropriately addressed during labour.
These disparities compromise health outcomes and erode trust in a system intended to support all individuals equally.
To effectively promote equity in healthcare, the NHS must implement systemic reforms to address entrenched biases and disparities. This focused approach will inspire NHS staff to create significant Change for patients.
Reforms such as mandatory cultural competence and anti-racism training can inspire hope and motivate the NHS Staff to support systemic Change.
Moreover, enhancing patient feedback mechanisms and ensuring that voices are heard can help rebuild trust in the NHS. Only then can the NHS fulfil its promise of equal healthcare for every citizen, regardless of race or background.
