Families seek accountability following Nottingham maternity failings

Families affected by failings in maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust have said they “expect action” against those responsible for dozens of baby deaths and injuries.

The review began after babies died or were seriously injured at the trust, and last month it was confirmed the review would be the largest ever carried out in the UK.

Families have praised the review’s progress but said no staff had so far been sanctioned.

Senior midwife Donna Ockenden took over the running of the review, having previously led an inquiry into maternity failings at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust, and is preparing to examine the cases of 1,800 families, with around 700 former and current trust staff contacting the review team.

Anthony May, chief executive of the trust, said he was committed to being transparent and honest with families, adding “We still have a long way to go, but our communities can be assured that maternity services are improving and we are making sustainable progress in a number of areas to benefit the safety and wellbeing of women, families and staff as part of our maternity improvement programme.

“Our trust, our hospitals, are a landmark in these communities and we absolutely have to find a way and the capacity to improve if we’re going to maintain the trust and confidence of local people.

“So whatever the cost, whatever it takes, we must respond to the review.”

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.

If you or a relative have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence lawyers on the freephone number below or e-mail us.

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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