Overview

• The Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) programme will expand nationwide in September 2025 following a successful pilot in 12 NHS maternity units.
• The initiative provides maternity staff with enhanced training to detect fetal distress and manage obstetric emergencies, such as complications during Caesarean births.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the programme's role in equipping staff with tools to reduce avoidable brain injuries and improve care for mothers and babies.
• The programme aims to lower rates of preventable brain injuries like those causing cerebral palsy and bring underperforming maternity units up to the standards of the top-performing 20%.
• Developed collaboratively by healthcare professionals and incorporating feedback from families, the programme has demonstrated improved teamwork and clinician confidence during its pilot phase.