The move is part of a raft of measures in response to publication today of Baroness Amos' independent investigation into maternity and neonatal care. 

Secretary of state for health and social care, James Murray, said: ‘For too long women, babies and families have been failed by a system that didn't listen. Their stories are heartbreaking and demand action. 

‘I am grateful to Baroness Amos for her work on this landmark review, which is a turning point. Appointing the UK's first ever Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner will drive lasting change and make sure women and families are never ignored again.'

In addition, the Government announced:

• a National Action Plan will be published in December to overhaul services and drive long-term change
• an additional £41m investment to improve safety at maternity and neonatal facilities
• new standards for maternity triage across the country to end the postcode lottery in care
• the national roll out of the Perinatal Equity and Anti-Discrimination Programme to address inequalities in care, particularly for Black and Asian women and those from deprived backgrounds and other marginalised groups
• 1,000 temporary roles will be created to help newly qualified midwives join the NHS, backed by more than £10m in Government funding.

Reaction 

Interim acute and ambulance network director at The NHS Alliance, Matthew Hopkins, said: ‘The appointment of a Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner and a new national action plan should help to provide clarity and focus to drive progress, and ensure women are heard.

‘NHS leaders are committed to tackling racism and discrimination which have contributed to inequalities and worse outcomes for Black and Asian women.

‘It is also vital that staff have the right training and physical environment to provide consistently good care.

‘NHS leaders stand ready to play their part in improving maternity services for women, babies, families and staff.'

Nuffield Trust deputy director of research, Sarah Scobie said: ‘The extra funding announced today to improve outdated buildings and equipment which put the safety of mothers and babies at risk is a good start. But this report rightly raises expectations for what services can deliver, so funding for maternity services needs to match that ambition. Funding also needs to account for the clear trend towards more babies being born by C-section or an assisted delivery, along with the higher proportion of mothers who are older or have complex health conditions. However, no amount of money or regulation will solve the deep rooted professional culture tensions between midwives and doctors. The professions need to work together to get to grips with this dysfunctional relationship.'