Maternity care probe to look at West hospitals

TWO West hospital trusts are among 14 around the country which will be examined in a national investigation into “failures” in NHS maternity and neonatal services.

- HELEN WILLIAM

Baroness Amos has been tasked to lead the investigation - with bereaved families at the heart of the work - to drive improvements after systemic problems in England’s maternity and neonatal care dating back more than 15 years.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said bereaved families had shown “extraordinary courage” in coming forward, adding: “What they have experienced is devastating and their strength will help protect other families from enduring what they have been through.

“I know that NHS maternity and neonatal workers want the best for these mothers and babies, and that the vast majority of births are safe and without incident, but I cannot turn a blind eye to failures in the system.

“Every single preventable tragedy is one too many. Harmed and bereaved families will be right at the heart of this investigation to ensure no one has to suffer like this again.”

‘A range of services are to be put under the spotlight in the investigation, which comes after various independent reviews across multiple trusts found failings including women’s voices being ignored, safety concerns overlooked and poor leadership which has created toxic cultures.

Health bodies called for support and transparency, saying there may be real anxiety among women, families and staff at the 14 selected trusts, which are:

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust