In 12 months since the Gloucestershire maternity scandal, a further maternity scandal has surfaced, this time in Leeds. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is the latest in a series of NHS Trusts criticised for their standards of maternity and neonatal care.
The BBC have conducted a recent investigation which concluded that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital could have been prevented. The findings spanned from January 2019 to July 2024. The babies were made up of 27 stillbirths and 29 neonatal deaths (death within 28 days after birth). The deaths reviewed by the Trust included babies with congenital abnormalities, and newborns and mothers transferred after birth from other units because they required specialist care.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust were found to have the highest neonatal mortality rate in the UK of 4.46 per 1,000 live births in 2022, according to the latest report by MBRRACE-UK. This figure found in 2022 is 70% higher than the average rate for comparable NHS Trusts.
The Trust’s internal reviews acknowledged care issues which could have altered the outcomes for the babies who died, yet these findings were not publicly disclosed until now, leaving many families unaware of the extent of the failings.
This raises serious questions about patient safety and care standards at the Trust.
Concerns of Care
The BBC investigation uncovered care issues, including delayed interventions and inadequate monitoring. A further concern is the poor communication of staff with families and that staff failed to adequately listen to mothers.
This investigation echoes the similar concerns of whistleblowing and staff members being supressed from sharing their concerns of systemic failings. Whistleblowers at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have described unsafe care, chronic understaffing, low levels of care for women and babies, rude treatment of patients and staff acting with a lack of empathy towards patients.
Furthermore, families have raised concerns that there is a ‘tick box’ culture within NHS Trusts, which allow them to perform well in front of inspectors. Often the inspector review of a Trust will differ to the care delivered on the ground. In light of this, there has been discussion about whether it is appropriate that Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust remains rated as ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.
Understandably, families have had concerns about the care they have received and whether all possible lessons have been learnt to improve maternity safety given the recurrent nature of the mistakes being made. Families who have lost children at Leeds are calling for a comprehensive, independent review into the trust’s practices for better transparency and accountability.
Support from Clinical Negligence Solicitors
Our thoughts are with those affected who face this unimaginable loss.
We must continue to raise awareness of issues with maternity safety and encourage those affected to speak out. These tragic cases highlight the deeply concerning patterns of care which must be urgently addressed. Taylor Emmet has expertise in representing families throughout the country who have been impacted by maternity care issues.
If you or a family member think that you may have suffered clinical negligence, either during pregnancy, childbirth or afterwards, there may be a claim for compensation. We are empathetic and experienced lawyers who can guide you through the process, whilst providing you with the support you deserve to come to terms with your grief or injuries you have sustained.
For a free and confidential discussion about whether you may have a claim for clinical negligence, please get in touch with our experts at clinnegenquiryteam@tayloremmet.co.uk or call 0114 218 4000.