Report Shows 'Culture Of Abuse' at Essex Hospital

A BIRTH injury solicitor has joined the call for action to improve a hospital maternity unit following the release of a damning report.

Auriana Griffiths, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, says it is vital that more is done to protect mothers and babies from low standards and abuse at Queen’s Hopsital in Romford, Essex.

Ms Griffiths is currently investigating a case for a child who suffered brain damage caused by hypoglycaemia. A report released by the Care Quality Commission warned that women were ‘simply pushed through the system as quickly as possible’, with some mothers being told to ‘hurry up’ and give birth, and others being told to wait in the car park until a bed became available.

The attitude of midwives and maternity staff was also criticised, with the report highlighting a ‘culture of abuse’ and a ‘poor attitude and lack of care for patients’.

Ms Griffiths said: “Unless more is done to improve both the quality of care and the resources available at the Queen’s Hospital maternity unit, more women will suffer complications during childbirth and further tragedies will occur.

“The arrival of a new baby should be a special time, and it is vital that mothers are given the care and medical support they deserve and are entitled to expect.”