We're delighted to announce that Kirsty Kitchen, Director of the Birth Companions Institute, has been invited to join the Health Equity Expert Reference Group of the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.
The Taskforce will oversee improvements to NHS maternity and neonatal care across England, working to develop a national action plan based on findings and recommendations from the independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation.
The independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, chaired by Baroness Amos, plans to make recommendations in June 2026 based on evidence collected from families, staff and stakeholders across England as well as previous reports and recommendations.
The Health Equity group, which Kirsty will be a part of, focuses specifically on reducing inequalities for Black and Asian women and babies, women with disabilities, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, andwomen facing other known risk factors for worse outcomes.
Kirsty's appointment recognises the vital work we do across the Birth Companions Institute, our frontline services, and our Lived Experience Programme, supporting pregnant women, mothers and babies facing disadvantage and inequity. Through her participation in this group, Kirsty will ensure that the experiences, voices and needs of women navigating pregnancy and early motherhood in the most difficult circumstances are genuinely heard and centred in conversations shaping safer, more equitable maternity care across England.
We're grateful for this opportunity to contribute alongside colleagues across the charity, health and academic sectors.
For more details on the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, and a full list of all those involved, visit the government website.
