NHS Trust accused of avoidable baby deaths

Midwives say staff shortages and a poor culture at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust have led to avoidable baby deaths.

The trust have apologised for its failings and say that they are determined to learn when things go wrong.

Cheltenham Birth Centre allowed women with low-risk pregnancies the choice of giving birth there under midwife-led care, with no emergency facilities at the centre.  In the event of complications, patients should have been transferred to the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, part of the same trust, and about a 30-minute drive away.

However, on two occasions, patients were not transferred quickly enough, leading the deaths of two babies.

Ten per cent of maternity units in England are currently rated inadequate for safety by the Care Quality Commission, including at the Gloucestershire trust.

Three independent reviews into maternity care failings at individual trusts in England have taken place in the last ten years, another in Nottingham is ongoing.  There are now calls for a national inquiry to tackle the deep-rooted problems they have identified.

Dr Bill Kirkup, who chaired enquiries into deaths at maternity services at Morecambe Bay and East Kent, says the treatment of whistleblowers was an issue for both trusts.

“They’re treated as a troublemaker, they’re threatened with disciplinary action or professional regulatory action.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors and birth injury solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, including cerebral palsy claims and other birth injury claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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