Comment: Deaths of babies at Leeds hospitals may have been preventable
An investigation by the BBC has revealed that at least 56 baby deaths and two maternal deaths at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust over the past five years may have been preventable.
Oonagh McCurry, associate solicitor in our clinical negligence team commented:
“Despite its ‘good’ rating by England’s healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), an investigation by the BBC has revealed that at least 56 baby deaths and two maternal deaths at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust over the past five years may have been preventable.
Whistleblowers and bereaved families have raised serious concerns about the safety of the Trust’s maternity units, with families reporting a culture of dismissiveness and lack of compassionate care, and whistleblowers at the Trust describing the care as “appalling”, and the service as “completely broken” with chronic understaffing.
The CQC has stated that, due to concerns raised by families and risks identified through the CQC’s ongoing monitoring, a further inspection of the Trust’s maternity services was undertaken last month, with the findings to be published shortly.
Despite several previous and ongoing independent reviews of maternity services throughout England and Wales and the recommendations arising from those for the provision of better and safer care, this investigation once again highlights the ongoing failings in maternity care in England and Wales which is leading to preventable harm for both mothers and babies.”
