As recently reported in the press, the maternity unit at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust is currently under review as dozens of patients are thought to have been negligently treated. The clinical negligence is thought to have led to several instances of avoidable deaths of newborn babies, and other babies being left with permanent and severe brain damage, or cerebral palsy. Mothers who gave birth at the Trust may have also been injured as a result of poor care.
In January 2017 Jeremy Hunt, the then Health Secretary, ordered an independent inquiry led by Donna Ockenden, a senior midwife, to examine 23 cases of mother and baby deaths and injuries at hospitals in Shropshire.
It is now believed that the review into the Trust has expanded and is examining cases involving more than 100 families, according to the BBC. Now the team being led by Ms Ockenden is looking into allegations that some babies born at the Trust between 2000 and 2017 suffered avoidable harm due to errors by maternity staff.
The Care Quality Commission (the CQC) has taken urgent action against the maternity department.
Dr Kathy McLean, the NHS Improvement chief operating officer, said: “At this stage, we are unable to confirm how many historical cases will be considered…We are examining in detail anything that may be relevant, ensuring that possible duplication is taken into account.”
Deirdre Fowler, the Trust’s director of nursing, midwifery and quality, added: “We recognise that, taken in isolation, the number of cases…may cause concern or anxiety for families currently using our services. It is important that any families who have questions or concerns over their care are given the chance to have them explored.”
If you are concerned about any treatment that you have received at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust’s maternity unit and want specialist advice, Waldrons can offer you a free initial telephone consultation to discuss your concerns and advise you on the best steps to take. We can look at investigating your concerns, obtaining compensation for any damage caused, and putting in place measures to ensure that you or your child receive care and assistance for the future. Please click here to contact us for assistance.
Natalie Nolan, Trainee Solicitor
Waldrons Solicitors
