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An investigation into the state of maternity and neonatal services across Scotland is set to be launched following pressure from concerned mums. The SNP Government will order the review once it has heard from clinical experts on how it should be carried out. John Swinney faced demands from Scottish Labour for an urgent investigation after inspectors raised "serious concerns" about maternity services at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A previous inspection at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee raised concerns about staff shortages and delays in assessing expectant mothers. Labour warned there were also issues in rural communities with some mothers having to travel more than 100 miles to give birth. The Record reported yesterday how two mums had spoken out over their experiences of maternity and neonatal services . Claire Fleming and Zoe Lawson opened up about what they described as an "obvious" decline in standards in recent years. BBC Scotland's Disclosure series also spoke to other mums who lost their babies in heartbreaking circumstances in Scots hospitals. Neil Gray, the SNP Health Secretary, said in response the Government would set up an expert maternity and neonatal taskforce. But following pressure from mums and opposition parties, SNP ministers have now confirmed that the taskforce will consider the scope of a national review. It will examine whether to look into problems with culture alongside the design and delivery of services. Further details of the investigation have not yet been shared by the Government, but it is not expected to get underway until next year. Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour health spokeswoman, said: "The heartbreaking truth is too many women and babies are being let down by dangerously overstretched maternity and neonatal services." Gray told MSPs yesterday he had met one of the parents who attended parliament and offered to meet other affected families. He said: "I want to put on record once again, at the outset, my deepest condolences to those that are here and my thanks to them for their bravery in speaking up about their personal experiences. "I know how difficult that will have been but it helps to ensure that we can learn and make improvements so I am very, genuinely, very grateful to them for that and I would be happy to meet with them if that is possible." Gray also said he wanted to reassure families that maternity and neonatal services were safe in Scotland. To sign up to the Daily R ecord Politics newsletter, click here
