An independent investigation into “repeated failures” at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (LTHT) maternity units has been announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
The inquiry into Leeds maternity units was launched following appalling disclosures of systemic failures and years of relentless campaigning by grieving families who suffered potentially preventable harm to mothers and babies.
Leeds now joins a growing list of NHS trusts facing scrutiny over shocking maternity care failures across England, including Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury, East Kent, and Nottingham.
Deep-Rooted Failures and Avoidable Harm
Despite Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (LTHT) running one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, it “remains an outlier on perinatal mortality.”
Earlier this year, a BBC investigation revealed that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers at the Trust over the past five years may have been preventable.
The severity of the situation was underlined in June when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) downgraded maternity services at the Trust to “inadequate.”
The CQC cited serious risks to women and babies and a deep-rooted “blame culture” that left staff afraid to speak up, a culture also highlighted by whistleblowers who felt the previous “good” rating did not reflect the reality.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his shock, stating that the families faced “repeated maternity failures, made worse by the unacceptable response of the trust.”
Stressing that a thorough investigation is required to understand what had “gone so catastrophically wrong” at the maternity units at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital.
Families’ Fight for Truth
The call for an independent inquiry was driven by more than 70 families who have shared traumatic experiences, some dating back over 15 years.
Among them are Fiona Winser-Ramm and Dan Ramm, whose daughter Aliona died in 2020, and Amarjit Kaur and Mandip Singh Matharoo, whose daughter Asees was stillborn four years later at the same hospital.
An inquest into Aliona’s death found “a number of gross failures” that “directly contributed” to her passing. Both couples, along with other bereaved families, wrote to Streeting and met with him in person before the inquiry was announced.
“We know we are not alone, and that there’s other families that have experienced what we have,” said Amarjit. Fiona added her belief that “the scale of this inquiry will be enormous,” suggesting that many people do not yet know they are victims.
Calls for Experienced Leadership
The Department of Health has not yet released the inquiry’s terms of reference or named a chair. However, bereaved families are advocating for Donna Ockenden, the senior midwife who led the Shrewsbury and Telford review and is currently leading the Nottingham inquiry, to also chair the Leeds investigation.
Families feel Ms. Ockenden has the requisite experience and their trust to uncover systemic failings. The inquiry is also expected to address serious questions about the knowledge and actions of Sir Julian Hartley, the man in charge of the Trust for ten years until 2023, who is now in charge of the CQC.
Brendan Brown, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (LTHT), offered an unreserved apology to the families, acknowledging their “fight,” and assured them of the Trust’s commitment to engage with the inquiry “openly, honestly and transparently.” Stating the Trust is “taking significant steps to address improvements” to maternity and neonatal services.
The announcement of this independent inquiry is a significant step toward providing affected families with the truth and accountability they have long sought.
While the full scope and leadership of the inquiry are yet to be finalised, it represents a dedicated investigation into the failings at LTHT, separate from the Trust’s own internal efforts.
Access legal support
For individuals and families who have experienced poor care, loss, or injury due to potential negligence at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s maternity units, this inquiry may provide a space for you to gain support and a community of individuals so you aren’t alone.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this announcement and believe you or a loved one suffered harm due to maternity negligence, it is crucial to seek specialist legal advice.
Our team at Oakwood Solicitors is here to listen and help you explore your legal options for a potential clinical negligence claim.
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 some 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 are eligible to make a birth injury claim?
You can 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. We 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:
Families granted independent inquiry into Leeds Maternity Services.
Inquiry announced into Leeds NHS maternity failings.
Inquiry launched into ‘repeated’ maternity failings at Leeds NHS trust.
‘Toxic cover-up’ culture in NHS a risk to mothers and babies, says health chief.
Fourteen NHS trusts to be investigated over maternity ‘failures’.
Oakwood solicitors: Your Legal Guide to Birth Injury Claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you or your child has suffered as a result of a birth injury and medical negligence, 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 with your enquiry.
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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