Medical Negligence Lawyers Represent Families Affected By One Of UK’s Worst Maternity Scandals

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell representing families affected by one of the UK’s worst maternity scandals say it’s vital recommendations included in a full report are acted upon as soon as possible.

Senior midwife Donna Ockenden and her team have been reviewing more 1,800 cases involving maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust. 

The full Ockenden review report is now due to be published at the end of month, subject to Parliament. Publication of the report has been delayed twice. 

An interim report published in 2020 found 34 areas where maternity care should be improved.

Medical negligence lawyers represent Shrewsbury and Telford families 

Expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell represent a number of families who say they have suffered as a result of maternity failings at the Trust. 

Lawyers say while families are disappointed by delays in publishing the full report, it’s more important that decisive action is taken once the full findings are laid bare and that there is accountability for any recommendations being implemented as soon as possible. 

Expert Opinion

“Sadly we continue to hear incredibly worrying first-hand accounts from families with concerns about their maternity care, not just at Shrewsbury and Telford, but other Trusts.

“A lot of detail as to how families were badly let down while under the care of Shrewsbury and Telford has already been released at various stages of the review. No doubt many people will have further questions and concerns once more detail is known.

“While this is an emotional time for the families we represent they’re adamant decisive and lasting action should be taken to address any issues and recommendations contained in the report.

“Sadly other maternity scandals such as Morecambe Bay and East Kent Hospitals would indicate that what happened at Shrewsbury and Telford wasn’t an isolated problem.

“Too often in the past we’ve seen reviews and investigations into hospital care make recommendations which have taken years to implement.

“This report must not be pushed to one side after publication – it’s crucial that the detail is analysed and where possible lessons are learned to improve maternity safety which must remain a focus for the NHS.” Tim Annett - Partner

Ockenden review background

An investigation was ordered into baby deaths at the Trust in 2017 by then Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Initially the investigation was to look into 23 cases but was expanded to more than 270 in 2019.

The scope of the review was further extended to look into 1,170 cases stretching back 40 years before it was expanded again to cover 1,862 cases.

In December 2020 an initial review report based on 250 cases of concern, including the original 23, was published. 

The report identified 34 areas where maternity care should be improved. 

This included 27 ‘actions for learning’ by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and seven ‘immediate and essential actions’ not only for the Trust but for all maternity services across England. 

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by maternity care issues in Shrewsbury and Telford as well as other hospitals at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.