A previous 2022 independent review revealed that sub-optimal care at the East Kent trust potentially caused the avoidable deaths of up to 45 infants.
Rhiannon Davies, a campaigning parent whose daughter died avoidably in 2009, expressed support for the report's focus on clinical safety and triage systems.
"One area where I think the report is particularly strong is that it reframes listening to women as a patient safety issue," Davies said.
She noted that the proposed modifications to immediate assessment services could yield significant benefits if properly executed. "The report also places considerable emphasis on maternity triage.
Again, I think this has huge potential - but only if we get it right," she added.
In contrast, representatives from advocacy groups criticized the inquiry for omitting critical patient experiences, such as birth trauma and physical injuries.
Dr. Kim Thomas stated that the final document failed to sufficiently incorporate the feedback gathered from affected mothers.
"Huge missed opportunity," said Dr. Kim Thomas, Chief Executive of the Birth Trauma Association. She expressed disappointment on behalf of families who had anticipated substantive reformative action.
"Many of us were hopeful that finally this would mean harmed women and families would be listened to," Thomas said.
She argued that the publication placed a disproportionate amount of focus on clinical staff over patients.
"It is devastating, therefore, to see that so little of what women told Baroness Amos is reflected in the report," she added.
Helen Gittos, whose daughter died in 2014 following a brain injury at East Kent, voiced concern over the positive depiction of the trust but acknowledged the potential of the recommendations.
