What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the reasons for the higher rate of induction of labour at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, reported at between 33 per cent and 37 per cent each month from October 2025 to July 2026, compared with 30 per cent across Wales?
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board provides tertiary and specialist maternity services to women/birthing people within their health board and to those referred from other health boards with complex medical needs, such as multiple births and requirement of fetal medicine. In cases where the wellbeing of the mother or baby is subject to careful monitoring due to pre-existing conditions, a planned early birth may be a consideration to ensure the optimum outcome for both.
The Welsh Government expects all health boards to comply with relevant NICE guidance in relation to inducing labour. This includes ensuring an individual management plan is developed with the mother, enabling provision of clear information, options for care and shared decision making.
Induction of labour rates are a key metric which is reported and monitored nationally with oversight provided by NHS Performance and Improvement and included within the governance assurance framework to the Welsh Government.