Families ‘ignored, exhausted and dismissed’ over maternity review

The nine families, whose babies died at hospitals run by the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, met with Baroness Amos, who is chairing the national review into maternity services.

However, the group claimed she was poorly briefed, and that they feel “ignored, exhausted and dismissed” as a result.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a rapid review earlier this year, following meetings with a number of bereaved parents – including Katie Fowler and Rob Miller, whose daughter Abigail died due to failings at the Royal Sussex County Hospital – and pledged to support families in their quest for change.

"We have spoken to Wes Streeting directly and to the Department of Health & Social Care again and again about the toll these meetings take on us," the families said in a statement.

"To set aside an hour of our time for a meeting where appropriate preparation had not taken place was deeply dispiriting, and to feel we have still not made progress on our review, despite many months of presenting a clear case for one, drafting the terms of reference and securing the support of Donna Ockenden, is infuriating."

Baroness Amos was appointed to be its chair last week – but the Sussex families insist that Donna Ockenden should be appointed.

Shortly before the meeting, the families were also told that Kathryn Whitehill, a former inspector with the Care Quality Commission, had been appointed as an investigator on the review – prompting further anger and disappointment.

"Bereaved parents had been promised they would be consulted on any appointments and have consistently fed back to the government that this investigation cannot be undertaken by anyone working for the regulators responsible for holding trusts accountable for maternity safety," the statement from the families added.

"These organisations are part of the system that has continued to deliver unsafe maternity care, and as such should be part of the focus of the investigation rather than leading it."

The appointment of Ms Whitehill "raises serious doubts about whether the review can be independent or trusted", the statement added.

Law firm Slater and Gordon acts for families nationally who have suffered from maternity failings, including Katie Fowler and Rob Miller, and are passionate advocates for the need for urgent improvement.

“While wanting to be hopeful, families have feared from the moment this review was announced that it is just a way of paying lip service to this issue – and the developments so far will do little to change their minds,” says Nisha Sharma, principal lawyer in clinical negligence, based in Brighton.

“The Government simply must do better here – families who have already been through so much deserve so much more.

“For too long, these families have felt ignored by those who could be supporting them in their fight for justice for their babies, and who have the power to make the meaningful change to maternity services that will help to protect other mothers and their children. This cannot continue and the Government must act quickly to regain the confidence of these families, and others around the country who have suffered such trauma and loss.”

If you have been affected by medical mistakes before, during or after birth, clinical negligence experts at Slater and Gordon can help. For support, contact us here.