The Substantial Cost Of Avoidable Stillbirths Due To Failures On NHS Maternity Units

According to figures shown exclusively to The Daily Mail, failures occurring in NHS maternity units that led to avoidable stillbirths have cost the NHS almost £65 million since 2010.

The figures show:

With approximately 75 avoidable stillbirths every year, according to Tommy’s, a UK charity dedicated to finding causes and treatments to save babies’ lives as well as providing trusted pregnancy and baby loss information and support, the above figures demonstrate the financial impact these failings have.

It has been revealed that 10 babies were stillborn due to negligence at Nottingham University Hospitals since 2010 resulting in more than £290,000 paid out in damages averaging £29,000 per case.

Furthermore, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust settled 13 clinical negligence claims relating to stillbirths resulting in £439,031 in damages.

In addition to the financial element, more importantly, families across the UK continue to be massively affected as a result of the continued failings.

The BBC recently reported that more than half of maternity units in England fail consistently to meet safety standards. Health regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rates 7% of units as posing a high risk of avoidable harm. A further 48% are rated as requiring improvement. This is a huge concern for UK families.

Comment

The latest figures and analysis on maternity services across the UK are a concern and show how severe the issues with maternity care in the UK are at present.

It is well established and acknowledged across the NHS that maternity services require urgent improvement.

It is hugely important that lessons are learned and highlighted from any failings to reduce the risk for families in the UK in the future. Families impacted by the current failings deserve to investigate their experiences and seek justice.