AN MP has welcomed proposals to 'improve' maternity services.

Pendle's MP Andrew Stephenson said he was 'pleased' about the measures which aim to ensure pregnant women and new mothers are given the best possible care.

It comes as health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced a series of measures aimed at improving the safety of maternity services and reducing stillbirths in the UK.

Mr Hunt announced that from April 2018, every case of a stillbirth, neonatal death or suspected severe brain injury will be investigated.

Investigations will be carried out by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, set up in April 2017 to improve safety through effective and independent investigations that do not apportion blame or liability.

NHS Trusts will receive financial incentives to improve maternity services, and new education programmes will be available for healthcare professionals. Consultants will receive training on the care of pregnant women with significant health conditions.

The government aims to halve neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, injuries and stillbirths by 2025 through the measures.

Mr Stephenson said: “NHS staff in maternity wards do a great job but things can go wrong. When they do, it is essential investigations are carried out so that our NHS can improve its service and bereaved parents receive closure.”