Full extent of Shropshire maternity failings ‘may never be known’

A senior midwife leading the investigation into baby deaths has warned it is unlikely the full scale of the scandal will ever be known.

Donna Ockenden has said it was doubtful that records over twenty years old would be available to the inquiry into maternity failings at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

She did, however, promise that she would strive to get answers for all families affected, adding “It is important that families understand that the further back in time we go, the less likely we are to be able to access health records since health records in the NHS are routinely kept for 25 years.

“After that time it is unlikely we will be able to access records.

“Please be assured, however, that your story will be heard and we will continue to try and get you the answers you deserve.

“From the outset, my priority has always been the welfare of every family who may have concerns about the maternity care they received at the trust.”

The trust is currently being investigated over a number of deaths of mothers and babies and it is believed that following a leaked report by Ms Ockenden, over 800 people have now raised concerns over their care.

Paula Clark, interim chief executive at the trust, has offered her “unreserved apologies” to families, adding that there had been a “sea change” in the culture at the trust.

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence. He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims. Tony also acts as the Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled. Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk. Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win, no fee solicitors for free legal advice on Freephone 0800 304 7382.