NHS Resolution and the evolution of the Early Notification Scheme

The Early Notification Scheme was established by NHS Resolution in 2017 to commence earlier investigations into potentially severe intrapartum brain injuries with the aim of resolving obstetric claims earlier and garnering more relevant learning closer to the incident. This supports the National Maternity Ambition to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirth, maternal mortality, neonatal mortality and serious brain injuries in babies that occur during or soon after birth by 2025. This article provides a summary of NHS Resolution’s recently published second Early Notification report, The second report: The evolution of the Early Notification Scheme, and describes the changes in the scheme since its inception, highlights learning for clinical practice and makes recommendations for how NHS Resolution can further support system-level change to promote safer maternity care.

Jyoti Sidhu
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust

Annette Anderson
Midwife and Head of Early Notification Clinical Team at NHS Resolution
annette.anderson4@nhs.net

Sangita Bodalia
Head of Early Notification Legal Team at NHS Resolution
s.bodalia@nhs.net