Cole-Hamilton responds to neonatal deaths review

Responding to the publication of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s report on neonatal mortality, which indicated that more comprehensive reviews of neonatal deaths were needed, following a spike in baby deaths in September 2021 and March 2022, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:  

“There can be few more pressing priorities for a government than uncovering why the death rate among newborn babies has spiked. That's why I wrote to the Public Health Minister to press for these reports to be published after they were delayed last year.

“It’s clear that there is scope for improvement in the current system, which includes conducting more detailed reviews ahead of time and ensuring greater coordination between health boards.  

“I hope that ministers will waste no time in taking forward these recommendations. To prevent baby deaths, it is vital that the government take urgent steps to lay down learning for the future.”