![Review into scandal-hit maternity unit lists high number of traumatic birth experiences](https://chadlaw.dnsupdate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/newborn_baby.jpg)
15
Dec 2020
Review into scandal-hit maternity unit lists high number of traumatic birth experiences
An inquiry into Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust has found that a large number of women died in labour and mothers were blamed for their babies’ deaths. The deaths were often not investigated and an induction drug was repeatedly misused.
This has resulted in seven “immediate and essential” actions being made for all maternity services across England.
The interim report lists a high number of traumatic birth experiences, including stillbirths that could have been avoided and the deaths of babies due to excessive force of forceps. Also reported were repeated failures by staff to recognise babies and mothers in deteriorating conditions, including a case of one mother whose baby died because staff were “too busy” to monitor her during labour.
The report stated that it found letters and records “which often focussed on blaming the mothers” rather than considering whether the trust’s systems were at fault. This was exacerbated by the attitude of staff.
It said “One of the most disappointing and deeply worrying themes that has emerged is the reported lack of kindness and compassion from some members of the maternity team. The fact that this was found to be lacking is unacceptable and deeply concerning.”
The seven actions outlined for maternity services across England include listening to women and families, staff training and working together, enhanced safety, risk assessment throughout pregnancy, monitoring fetal wellbeing and managing complex pregnancies.
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 the 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.
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