Angela Constance: “I cannot approve it in its current form within our current financial landscape.”

While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.

That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already under way of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.

Hence, we have to have a laser focus on building capacity in the community, ensuring people know which service to approach at the right time.

The bigger issue is around reducing avoidable hospital admissions.