The findings of a five year inquiry into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust make for a horrifying read.
Catastrophic failures in maternity care may have led to the deaths of more than 201 babies -131 stillbirths and 70 neonatal deaths. In addition, there are 84 brain damage cases between 2000 and 2019 and dozens more babies with life changing injuries. Mothers have also died or sustained serious injuries too.
Senior midwife Donna Ockenden’s report found that failures in care were repeated, and some mothers were even blamed for their own deaths.
It was revealed that there was pressure from the NHS to reduce caesarean rates and increase the number of ‘normal births’. Mothers were routinely overmedicated with drugs to bring on contractions to lead to natural births with many being forced to endure traumatic labours. Forceps and excessive force were used during delivery which left many babies with fractured skulls and broken bones. Others were starved of oxygen and left with life-changing disabilities.
In all the cases identified by the inquiry, as well as nine mothers’ deaths, it found that better care might or would reasonably be expected to have made a difference.
Donna Ockenden’s review calls for increased funding, training and accountability across maternity services as well as improved post-natal care and care for bereaved families.
If it wasn’t for this inquiry, this appalling scandal would have slipped through the net. Initially there were 23 cases of concern highlighted but as details emerged more families came forward which resulted in Donna Ockenden and more than 90 midwives and doctors examining 1862 cases, thought to be the largest ever review of maternity care in the NHS.
We have campaigned repeatedly for increased investment into maternity training and funding and we hope that in light of these horrific findings more will be done to protect families in the future.
If you have concerns over the care you received at hospital or wish to make enquiries with regards to any medical negligence claim please contact Rhian Lowe on 01206 835269 or email her at [email protected]