One Born Every 40 Seconds

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Duration: 29 minutes

The UK is in the middle of a baby boom. Last year, there was one born every forty seconds - the highest number for 20 years. But reporter Shelley Jofre reveals that some parts of the UK are facing a chronic shortage of midwives, and asks if the NHS is failing to deliver the safe and high quality maternity care mothers and babies deserve.

  • Substandard care linked to maternal deaths in London

    Substandard care linked to maternal deaths in London

    Proper maternity care could have prevented the deaths of 17 women in London over 18 months, according to a report seen by BBC Panorama.

    Read about Panorama's investigation
  • Maternity map: Births to midwives

    Maternity map: Births to midwives

    Staff shortages mean the number of births that midwives have to deal with exceeds recommended levels in most areas of the UK, a Panorama investigation has found.
    Use the table below to see the variations between hospital trusts and health boards from the across the nations.

    Check out midwife provision in your area
  • Are you affected by these issues? Useful websites

    Are you affected by these issues? Useful websites

    If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in One Born Every 40 Seconds, help is available.
    The organisations listed below may be able to assist.

    Available help
  • One Born Every 40 Seconds - join in the debate

    One Born Every 40 Seconds - join in the debate

    Read other viewers comments or leave your own on our blog forum

Credits

Reporter
Shelley Jofre
Producer
Judith Ahern

Broadcasts

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