Expectant mothers once tuned into Channel 4’s One Born Every Minute for reassurance about labor wards. The series showcased compassionate midwives supporting families through births. Now, with a new series announced, bereaved parents question its timing amid widespread revelations of maternity care failures across NHS hospitals.
Tragic Losses at Featured Hospital
Fiona Winser-Ramm gave birth to her daughter Aliona in 2020 at Leeds General Infirmary, a site featured in earlier seasons of the show. Aliona lived only 27 minutes. A coroner ruled the death resulted from midwife neglect and gross basic failures. Fiona and her husband Daniel chose the hospital partly due to its positive portrayal on the program and strong Care Quality Commission rating.
During labor at 41 weeks, midwives overlooked reduced fetal movements and possible waters breaking. They delayed escalating to doctors and falsified records claiming concerns were communicated. After a 72-hour labor, Aliona was born in critical condition with unsurvivable injuries.
Fiona now campaigns for reform, contributing to a government inquiry led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. She warns the show’s positive image misleads viewers. “It portrays outstanding care for everyone, but 65 percent of maternity services are inadequate, with racism and cultural issues affecting families,” Fiona states.
Angela Welsh lost her son Kion at full term in 2011 at the same hospital during filming. After her placenta failed, midwives sent her home, later forcing a natural birth without a C-section option. Placed on the labor ward amid live births, she received no empathy or counseling. One midwife suggested storing her baby “in the fridge,” and cleaners entered against her wishes. Angela saw that midwife accept a Bafta award for the series soon after.
“The show is staged and hides realities,” Angela says. “Reviving it now, during inquiries, feels like a kick in the teeth.”
Widespread Maternity Challenges
NHS maternity issues extend beyond Leeds. Donna Ockenden reviews services in Nottingham and Sussex following lobbying. Maternal deaths hit a 20-year high despite declining birth rates. Black women face three times higher childbirth mortality. Midwifery training faces overhaul amid a national emergency.
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, led by Baroness Amos, released a scathing interim report in February. It identifies structural racism, poor staff relationships, and lack of compassion in baby loss cases. “Maternity services fail too many women, babies, families, and staff,” Baroness Amos stated.
Concerns at New Filming Site
The reboot films at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. A 2023 Care Quality Commission inspection flagged insufficient skilled staff. Chief Nursing Officer Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson notes improvements since then and welcomes re-inspection.
Sources report senior midwives pressuring juniors against participating, though the trust denies this and confirms open opt-in for all.
Campaigner Backlash and Network Response
Bereaved families call the revival tone-deaf, urging a focus on scandals instead. One mother online quipped the title should reflect “one killed every 11 hours.” Groups like Families Failed By OUH Maternity Services demand engagement with affected families to show full realities.
Fiona argues it perpetuates a hero narrative for clinicians, ignoring negligence. “Hospitals won’t air damaging footage,” she says.
Channel 4 emphasizes the observational format follows personal birth stories, not systemic probes. Senior Commissioning Editor Vivienne Molokwu highlights emotional journeys in the digital age. Producer Will Rowson notes evolving maternity care. Filming awaits, with Channel 4 retaining editorial control.
