Lawyers support families affected by Leeds maternity failings as BBC investigation finds deaths of 56 babies and two mums may have been preventable
Going into hospital to have a baby is a moment where many women feel, and often are, at their most vulnerable. There can be a lot of fear: what's going to happen? Will I be able to cope with the pain? What if I need a caesarean section?
Most women go into a hospital setting, believing that they're in the very best place possible to ensure that they, and their babies, have a happy outcome. They don't tend to have questions about whether staff will be equipped and prepared and/or willing to help in the event that they're required.
BBC investigation finds deaths of 56 babies and two mums in Leeds may have been preventable
Unfortunately, recent headlines regarding maternity care suggest that these questions now need to be considered and today there is another story. A BBC investigation has found that the deaths of 56 babies and two mums at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - which runs Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital - may have been preventable. The article makes for a sobering read.
We cannot forget that all of these babies leave behind families who will never be the same again. It also impacts the Trust staff as it affects them as well.
Supporting families affected by Leeds maternity service issues
At Irwin Mitchell we represent a number of families affected by maternity care issues in Leeds.
My clients, Fiona and Dan Ramm, are heavily featured in today’s article. Their daughter, Aliona, died minutes after birth following gross care failings which resulted in a finding of ‘neglect’ at her inquest.
A ‘tick box’ and ‘wait and see’ culture at the Trust is described by families and was corroborated by midwives providing evidence during Aliona’s inquest.
In the BBC article, a whistleblower describes ‘appalling care’ with a ‘failure to listen to patients with another stating that the service is ‘completely broken’ with the impact that ‘women and babies are not getting the care we want them to get’.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the few Trusts in the UK to currently be rated ‘good’ for maternity services. However, this article, and the experiences of our clients, suggests that rating is not reflective of what's happening on the ground.
It shouldn’t be down to families and whistleblowers to identify issues and push for change but sadly, that seems to be the only option left to people who feel let down by services and are concerned that lessons are not being learned.
Leeds Hospitals Maternity Family Support Group
Last year Fiona and Dan helped set up Facebook Group ‘Leeds Hospitals Maternity Family Support Group’.
It is an independent group founded by, and set up for, families impacted by Leeds maternity services.
Regular drop-in sessions are arranged and families are encouraged to make contact if they've been affected and/or would like support following their experience of Leeds maternity services.
If you have been affected by the maternity services you have received at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and/or would like to attend the next drop-in session, please email maternityfamilygroupleeds@gmail.com for more details.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by maternity care concerns at our dedicated birth injuries section.
