Report says Derby maternity deaths might have been prevented

A report has said three women who died under the care of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) over a period of 16 months may have survived if earlier recommendations had been implemented.

A review by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) also found a culture of bullying and intimidation and made safety recommendations.

The trust, who has apologised to the families of those affected, said in response to the report that the recommendations were “invaluable”.

The report found that although there was no common theme to the deaths, leadership and process had been fragmented and inconsistent.

The HSIB said “robust action planning and prompt addressing of the learning” from previous recommendations from other investigations “may have had an impact on the outcome for the women who received care during the seven events included in this thematic review”.

It also found the trust had significant staffing issues within its maternity unit, with 45 midwife vacancies at the time the report was written, although they said there was no evidence this had a direct impact on the cases.

The review time also found substantial evidence of bullying, poor behaviours and a hierarchical culture, especially within the obstetric team.

The report went on to say “There are significant issues that the trust needs to address, particularly around governance and leadership.”

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 a 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