More babies were delivered through caesareans in Cumbria last year than ever before, figures reveal.
NHS England recently told hospitals to stop using caesarean section rates as performance targets as they might be clinically inappropriate and unsafe for patients – though these figures pre-date the move.
Of the 1,340 births recorded in Cumbria in 2020-21 in Office for Health Improvement and Disparities figures, 33.8 per cent were delivered by C-section.
That was up from 32.1 per cent the year before, and the highest rate since records began in 2014-15.
Across England, 32.5 per cent of births in England in 2020-21 were delivered by caesarean section – up from 30.1 per cent in 2019-20. This rate was also a record high.
The figures also show huge disparity in rates between local areas – from as high as 39.8 per cent in Thurrock, in the East of England, to 24.9 per cent in Telford and Wrekin, in the West Midlands.
A recent review of failings at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust – which is the main provider of services for Telford and Wrekin – found some mothers were made to have natural births when they should have been offered a caesarean.
The review found that around 200 babies and nine mothers could have survived if it had provided better care while the trust aimed to preserve its low caesarean rate.
Following the Government’s recommendation, NHS England told all maternity services to stop using total caesarean section rates as a means of performance management earlier this year.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said it welcomed the decision from NHS England, as caesarean birth targets were not appropriate in individual circumstances.
Dr Teresa Kelly, consultant obstetrician and spokeswoman for RCOG, said the national increase was due to a higher number of complex births – partly caused by the rises in both obesity rates and the average age of women giving birth.
She said both vaginal and caesarean births carry certain benefits and risks, but that a woman’s informed choice should always be respected and supported.
Dr Kelly added: “Childbirth is unpredictable and complications can and do arise.
“The safety and care of women during labour and birth and the safe arrival of their babies should always be the main focus, and medical intervention in some cases can be lifesaving.”
The Royal College of Midwives said it was important women have personalised care, and a pregnancy and birth that was right for them.
Birte Harlev-Lam, executive director at RCM, added: “Decisions about clinical care should not be dictated by targets and should be made in the best interests of the woman and her baby, in collaboration with the woman.”
Separate figures from the OHID also show that the fertility rate in England has fallen to the lowest level on record.
The general fertility rate – measured by the number of babies born for every 1,000 females aged between 15 and 44 – fell to just 55.3 in 2020, the latest figures available.
In Cumbria, the rate was 54.5 in 2020 – down from 55.3 in 2019, and also the lowest since comparable records began in 2010.
Record number of C-sections in Cumbria last year
More babies were delivered through caesareans in Cumbria last year than ever before, figures reveal.
NHS England recently told hospitals to stop using caesarean section rates as performance targets as they might be clinically inappropriate and unsafe for patients – though these figures pre-date the move.
Of the 1,340 births recorded in Cumbria in 2020-21 in Office for Health Improvement and Disparities figures, 33.8 per cent were delivered by C-section.
That was up from 32.1 per cent the year before, and the highest rate since records began in 2014-15.
Across England, 32.5 per cent of births in England in 2020-21 were delivered by caesarean section – up from 30.1 per cent in 2019-20. This rate was also a record high.
The figures also show huge disparity in rates between local areas – from as high as 39.8 per cent in Thurrock, in the East of England, to 24.9 per cent in Telford and Wrekin, in the West Midlands.
A recent review of failings at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust – which is the main provider of services for Telford and Wrekin – found some mothers were made to have natural births when they should have been offered a caesarean.
The review found that around 200 babies and nine mothers could have survived if it had provided better care while the trust aimed to preserve its low caesarean rate.
Following the Government’s recommendation, NHS England told all maternity services to stop using total caesarean section rates as a means of performance management earlier this year.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said it welcomed the decision from NHS England, as caesarean birth targets were not appropriate in individual circumstances.
Dr Teresa Kelly, consultant obstetrician and spokeswoman for RCOG, said the national increase was due to a higher number of complex births – partly caused by the rises in both obesity rates and the average age of women giving birth.
She said both vaginal and caesarean births carry certain benefits and risks, but that a woman’s informed choice should always be respected and supported.
Dr Kelly added: “Childbirth is unpredictable and complications can and do arise.
“The safety and care of women during labour and birth and the safe arrival of their babies should always be the main focus, and medical intervention in some cases can be lifesaving.”
The Royal College of Midwives said it was important women have personalised care, and a pregnancy and birth that was right for them.
Birte Harlev-Lam, executive director at RCM, added: “Decisions about clinical care should not be dictated by targets and should be made in the best interests of the woman and her baby, in collaboration with the woman.”
Separate figures from the OHID also show that the fertility rate in England has fallen to the lowest level on record.
The general fertility rate – measured by the number of babies born for every 1,000 females aged between 15 and 44 – fell to just 55.3 in 2020, the latest figures available.
In Cumbria, the rate was 54.5 in 2020 – down from 55.3 in 2019, and also the lowest since comparable records began in 2010.
