Despite the public disgust at the report’s findings and promises by health bosses for lessons to be learnt, on Saturday night at least five trusts appeared still to be embracing a philosophy of natural or “normal” birth.

James Titcombe, a patient safety advocate whose son Joshua died after eight days as part of the earlier Morecambe Bay scandal, said: “I actually find it disgusting that this is still going on. I’m hoping there will be some rapid leadership action in response. If change doesn’t start now, it never will.”

A job advertisement for a role at Torbay and South Devon, which has now been removed, stated: “We are proud of our commitment to normal birth and offering women choice in where to birth their baby.”

Meanwhile, a similar advertisement at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to women centred care, promoting the normal birth pathway and reducing interventions.”

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust asked: “Are you a champion of normality?”

“We are looking for an enthusiastic team member to help us promote normality.”

Mr Titcombe said he feared the language suggested some NHS maternity units are resistant to change.

“I don’t believe it is a majority, but there is a significant and very powerful evangelical or radical group within midwifery that are ideologically committed to so-called natural birth.”

“NHS England needs to get a grip and send a clear signal.

“We need to come together and agree standards around safe and personal care.”