Maternity care at John Radcliffe Hospital, managed by the Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), was labelled “scandalous” after facing scrutiny following an investigation.
OUH’s Troubling Data and Ongoing Review
Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is currently under intense scrutiny, named as one of 14 trusts undergoing a rapid review led by Labour peer Baroness Valerie Amos.
Adding to these concerns, MBRACE data from 2023 indicated that OUH had the worst stillbirth rate in the UK.
Wes Streeting characterised these systemic failures as a “moral failure” and a “cultural problem” within the NHS. He criticised the system for prioritising the protection of executive leaders’ and clinicians’ reputations over “doing the right thing by patients.”
Streeting asserted that this deeply ingrained, defensive culture across the NHS is an issue that “no inquiry, however big, can solve.”
This pattern is reinforced by the Trust’s consistent performance figures, which have been graded red (signifying a rate at least 5 per cent higher than comparable trusts) or amber since data analysis began in 2017.
Families Demand Urgent Action
In June 2024, a group of 670 Oxfordshire families formed the Families Failed by OUH Maternity Services to campaign for an urgent investigation.
The group highlighted that critical issues remain unresolved despite the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating OUH Maternity Services as ‘Requires Improvement’ back in 2021.
A specific point of contention raised by the families is the Trust’s explicit policy, which was in place until 2021 of denying requested Caesarean sections, a practice contrary to the nice guidelines published a decade earlier in 2011.
Trust Offers ‘Heartfelt Apologies’ and Details Improvements
In a statement issued in response to the Channel 4 report, Simon Crowther, the interim CEO of OUH, extended “heartfelt apologies to any family who has not received the standard of care they deserve.”
Mr Crowther stated: “We work hard to listen with care and compassion to the concerns that have been raised, and we remain fully committed to learning from them.”
He confirmed the Trust is “participating openly and transparently” in the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation led by Baroness Amos, which he welcomed as “this opportunity to reflect, improve, and ensure that every voice is heard.”
The proposal for the future
The interim CEO also outlined important actions taken to improve services, such as:
- A large workforce investment, which included hiring 54 more midwives.
- Better clinical instruction and more robust leadership.
- Investing in facilities and estates to enhance the care setting.
- Enhancements to bereavement services to offer families who are grieving specialised, caring support.
For comprehensive legal support, Oakwood Solicitors is dedicated to guiding you and ensuring a seamless experience.
Frequently asked questions:
What is a birth injury?
Giving birth is a life-changing experience, but it can unfortunately turn devastating if medical mistakes by doctors or midwives lead to a birth injury.
These injuries, which can affect both the mother and child, occur during pregnancy, labour, or delivery, stemming from developmental issues or trauma.
It’s important to understand that birth injuries are distinct from birth defects, which are congenital conditions. While birth injuries might be unavoidable, others are a direct result of medical negligence.
The repercussions of such injuries are profound, often causing significant emotional distress for both mother and child, and frequently resulting in substantial financial burdens.
If you or your child suffered due to medical negligence, you may be eligible to file a birth injury compensation claim.
What are the types of Birth Injury Claims?
- Physical Injuries to the Mother During Birth
- Injuries Following the Use of Forceps
- Injuries to the Child During Birth (e.g., Cerebral Palsy or Erb’s Palsy)
- Misdiagnosis of Pre-Existing Conditions
- Injuries Received After Birth as a Result of Negligence
- Midwife Negligence Claims
- Maternity Negligence
- Obstetric Negligence
When are you eligible to make a birth injury claim?
You could make a birth injury claim if your child suffered an injury due to medical negligence at any point from pregnancy through to just after birth.
Common examples of such negligence include:
- Excessive force during delivery
- Inadequate monitoring
- Failure to act on abnormal test results or high-risk situations.
- Undiagnosed infections
- Insufficient neonatal care
How is birth injury compensation calculated?
Birth injury compensation is determined by the physical, mental, and emotional impact of the injury, including loss of earnings, care costs, and trauma.
The amount depends on the severity, long-lasting effects, and financial impact. Special damages may be available, considering financial losses such as lost earnings, adaptation costs, and mobility aids.
Our expert medical negligence solicitors will assess the situation and present the best case to seek maximum compensation.
How can we help you?
When facing the profound challenges of a birth injury, understanding your legal options and securing the support you deserve is crucial.
At Oakwood Solicitors, we’re here to guide you through every step of your birth injury claim with compassion and expertise.
We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome, ensuring you and your family receive the compensation needed for care, support, and a more secure future.
Further information:
OUH maternity failings ‘a problem no inquiry can solve’.
Your legal guide to Birth Injury Claims.
Mother Birthing Injuries.
Child Birthing Injuries.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been impacted or suffered at the length of a birthing injury, we are here to support you. Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Carol Cook joined Oakwood Solicitors in May 2017 to lead the Medical Negligence Department.
Carol handles a wide range of clinical, cosmetic and dental negligence claims and has years of experi…
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