'Nothing in place to keep us safe': NHS Lothian midwife says abusive men staying on maternity wards

Men accused of domestic violence and sexual assault are being permitted to stay on NHS maternity wards, sparking safety fears among staff and patients, a whistleblower has claimed.

An NHS Lothian midwife alleged that partners facing abuse charges – including one on trial for murder – have been allowed to remain on antenatal, labour, and postnatal wards if the mother-to-be consents.

The midwife told the Evening News that in each instance, staff at the hospital had carried out Routine Enquiry – the practice where professionals in healthcare ask patients standard, direct questions about sensitive topics like domestic abuse.

They detailed incidents where men – some who were facing trial for their abuse – were permitted to sleep in the same room as other women and babies, “putting them, and our staff at risk,” she said.

The incidents relate to mothers-to-be who have disclosed domestic violence and/or sexual assault against their partners, and despite seeing the Domestic Violence Specialist Midwife, have chosen to stay with those partners.

They said: “Some of these men are even facing charges for their abuse, or have already been to jail. One man was on trial for murder and wearing an ankle monitor. Another man had a knife in his jacket, which was found by a Clinical Support Worker - he was then arrested.”

In both instances there was police involvement. But, according to the whistleblower, staff now feel unsafe.

They said: “One man had an ankle monitor and I know they called every few hours to check he was still on the ward. The man with the knife was arrested, I think staff called security first who then called the police. But unless someone is physically or verbally abusive to staff or to a patient in front of us, there is nothing in place to keep us safe.”

NHS midwives have described mandatory violence and aggression training has been dubbed “a joke” | x

There is now a “culture of people feeling unable to speak up,” according to the midwife – with management “inaccessible”.

They said: “I did send a complaint on a survey of our domestic violence (Routine Enquiry) training course last year, complaining about the contents of the course, the lack of specific protocols and guidelines, the fact there is only one part time domestic violence lead for the whole of Edinburgh but I don’t believe this has been actioned at all.”

Responding to the claims, Aris Tyrothoulakis, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, said the safety of patients, staff, and newborn babies is the “main priority” and “at the heart of every decision taken” at NHS Lothian.

He said: “We work in line with Scottish Government guidance, and with police and social work colleagues, when required, to provide access to our maternity units. Decisions are taken on an individual and case-by-case basis.

“A survey is currently underway to gain feedback, from women, staff and partners around overnight stays to help inform future policy and decision-making.”

Mr Tyrothoulakis also detailed domestic violence training provided to midwives working in hospitals and in the community.

He said: “All of our midwives are provided with training in domestic violence, particularly those working in the community, who are often the first point of contact for women accessing maternity services. A part-time specialist midwife for Domestic Violence and FGM is also in post to provide specialist advice and care and third sector support is routinely available.”

Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women's Aid | Contributed

However, the mandatory violence and aggression training has been dubbed “a joke” as the NHS Lothian employee gave a damning indictment of safety standards.

Midwives are told to “hold your arm out directly in front of you and say ‘stop’ if someone comes near you, don’t give hot tea to an angry patient. I don’t feel equipped to handle a violent situation and I believe many people would feel similarly.”

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Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Women's Aid said: "There's no quick fix for this. NHS Lothian needs to have a domestic abuse policy that covers all stages of maternity practice. From Routine Enquiry when a woman first shows up for antenatal care. It can't be one meeting with the nurse."

“The real risk here is danger to the pregnant woman accessing care, good care involves more than one meeting with a nurse and requires domestic abuse confidence in every visit.”

Police recorded 64,967 incidents of domestic abuse across Scotland in 2024-25, an increase of 2% compared to the previous year. Data revealed by a freedom of information request in 2024 showed that the number of pregnant women disclosing domestic abuse in NHS Lothian had hit 455 in 2023 – around six per cent.

The NHS midwife said: “With the high rates of Domestic Violence in Scotland, especially with increased rates during pregnancy, these women are going to keep coming through the door, and with less and less staff on the ward, it’s only getting more likely some sort of incident is going to happen.”