Dr Bill Kirkup has now released his report into maternity care at the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and he has identified numerous failings.
The investigation focused on care provided between 2009 and 2020 at maternity units at the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother Hospital and the William Harvey Hospital. A total of 202 births were reviewed and it was found that 97 births could have resulted in a different outcome. 45 deaths could have been avoided.
We know from previous reports and experience that these are not isolated incidents. Dr Kirkup emphasises that without appropriate action being taken across the entire NHS the same mistakes are likely to be repeated. Donna Ockenden has now formally opened investigations into care provided at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and families have been invited to contact her if they have concerns about the care they received at the Trust. We do not yet know when her report will be released.
Our clinical negligence team have acted for numerous families who have suffered a traumatic birth or baby loss. This includes assisting families navigate the Inquest process or with a clinical negligence claim.
Our highly experienced team handle your claim with sensitivity and care and work tirelessly to ensure that a thorough investigation takes place. If you have concerns about the care provided during your pregnancy or during the birth of your child, please call our team for an informal chat. This is without obligation. If we can assist, we are able to act on a No Win/No Fee (CFA) basis.
Birth Injuries
Injury during birth can affect both mother and baby. Some examples of birth issues could include; mis-managed pre-eclampsia, third and fourth degree perineal tears, damage to organs during a C-Section, errors with intervention such as injury caused by forceps or episiotomy, fracture or dislocation of baby's limbs, severe blood loss, infections and lack of oxygen to the baby's brain causing long-term damage.
Traumatic Birth Claims
What is meant to be a beautiful moment in your life can quickly turn into a terrifying ordeal for both parents and any other relative or friend present at the birth. It is important to understand that not many births go smoothly and perfectly to plan, however it is expected that the medical experts will act diligently if the birth becomes complicated and either mother or baby require urgent assistance.
A traumatic birth and be both physically and psychologically damaging. It can cause PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), issues with bonding, depression, anxiety, flashbacks, insomnia and can impact the decision to expand the family further in the future.
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death
In the most tragic cases a new life can be lost and parents have to leave hopsital without taking their baby home.
When the loss of a child is due to the negligent care of medical staff, parents are likley to need answers about what happened and will need a great amount of support to help them with their loss.
Whilst compensation doesn't come close to making up for the pain that parents have to carry with them, it can help compensate for loss of earnings from requiring long-term leave from work. It can help towards therapy and emotional support, but most importantly it will open up an investigation into what went wrong which could save others and help you gain some kind of closure from receiving a report and apology.
Get In Touch
If you would like to speak to someone about your hospital experience surrounding your pregnancy or birth, please get in touch with our legal experts on 01256 844888. Alternatively, you can email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant at any time of day.
Our medical negligence lawyers hope to help you find a way forward.