The UK Department of Health launches an inquiry into maternity hospitals in England after major irregularities and avoidable deaths among newborns.

The UK Department of Health has announced a wide-ranging inquiry into the operation of maternity hospitals in England, following scandals over serious irregularities in patient care. The inquiry, led by experts and parents, will assess systemic issues affecting safety and care, with the aim of providing a detailed report in December. Previous reports have highlighted a number of avoidable deaths and inequalities in care, particularly for ethnic minority women.