The recent Kirkup report, chaired by Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, found that up to 45 babies may have survived if they had received better care at East Kent NHS Hospitals Trust.
The report uncovered a clear pattern of sub-optimal care that led to significant harm, and said families were ignored. The medical experts reviewed an 11-year period from 2009 at two hospitals in Margate and Ashford.
The independent review found the trust had given the appearance of ‘covering up the scale and systemic nature’ of its problems.
Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence at Taylor Emmet James Drydale shares his insights.
James said: “The Kirkup report is deeply upsetting. Our sympathies are with the families affected by the failings in maternity care at East Kent Hospitals Trust, who have shared their distressing stories.
“This cannot go on, and we must have accountability in maternity care that identifies failing Trusts instead of relying on families who have suffered heartbreak to expose scandals.
“The report has found a clear pattern of poor care leading to 45 baby deaths, and it shows that warnings were made about poor maternity care at East Kent as early as spring 2013 – almost ten years ago.”
James highlights that patient safety must come first.
“We must end the cover-ups, excuses, and defensiveness – patient safety must come first.
“It’s apparent that safety investigations were often conducted narrowly and defensively with junior obstetricians and junior midwives blamed, with evidence of poor working culture undermining patient care.”
Have you been affected by a case like the report discussed? If so, our friendly team can help you. Contact James and the Clinical Negligence team on 0114 218 4000.