Parents call for public inquiry into Sussex maternity services

The families of nine babies who died at hospitals run by the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust over a three-year period have called for a public inquiry into the standard of its maternity care.

Of the nine bereaved mothers, four said they too almost died as a result of “poor standards of care” from maternity teams at the trust between 2021 and 2023, and have called for an inquiry into its maternity services to ensure accountability for “systemic failures”, and so that the trust learns from past mistakes.

Dr Maggie Davies, chief nurse at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said it offered “our deepest condolences and sincere apologies” to the families.

“Whilst we recognise that no words can ease their pain, our dedicated teams are committed to listening, learning and improving the service, so that mothers-to-be, mothers and their babies are as safe as they possibly can be whilst in our care.”

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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