Introduction to Maternity Failures
Two NHS trusts have been removed from a review of maternity failures across England, sparking anger among campaigners for better care. The trusts in question are located in Shropshire and Leeds, and their exclusion from the government’s rapid reviews into "system failures" has been met with concern from those affected by poor maternity care.
Background on the Excluded Trusts
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) was removed from the review following discussions with police about ongoing investigations. Similarly, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTH) is now part of a separate maternity review announced recently. This decision has been criticized by grieving mothers who have experienced poor care at these trusts.
Concerns Over the Decision
Campaigners, including Rhiannon Davies and Kayleigh Griffiths, have expressed their "deep disbelief" at the "misguided decision" to exclude these trusts. They believe that the experiences of families from Shrewsbury and Telford are crucial to understanding the origins and need for the national review. The national review aims to look at the country’s worst-performing maternity and newborn services and is due to produce a report by December.
Impact on Families
Families affected by maternity failures in these trusts are concerned that their stories will not be heard. Charlotte Cheshire, whose son is severely disabled due to maternity failure in Shropshire, is "absolutely horrified" by the decision. She fears that the review will not get to the bottom of the issues that could improve maternity care in the future.
Political Reaction
North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has also expressed concern over the decision, stating that it is important for the review to learn from one of the most in-depth investigations into failings in a maternity ward in decades. She believes that the families affected should be able to make their contribution to the investigation, given their experiences and the tragedies they have faced.
Investigation into Maternity Services
A review of maternity services in Shropshire, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, concluded that catastrophic failures may have resulted in the deaths of more than 200 babies and nine mothers, with other infants suffering life-changing injuries. West Mercia Police began its own investigation in 2020 to establish whether there was evidence to support a criminal case against the trust or people involved.
Response to Criticism
Baroness Amos, who is leading the review, has apologized for the "burden" caused by the change and said that families’ views on "national aspects" of the inquiry could still be taken into account. However, this response has not alleviated the concerns of those affected, who believe that the exclusion of these trusts will hinder the review’s ability to get to the bottom of the issues.
