It has been reported by the BBC this week that families have written to the Government with concerns over the review into failing maternity services in Nottingham.
Investigations are underway into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust maternity services after the deaths or injuries of dozens of babies.
The review was commissioned by the local clinical commissioning group (CCG) and NHS England, and NHS Improvement. It is expected to be completed by 30 November 2022.
The CCG advised that the review will look at themes and trends and put in place “detailed and measurable actions so improvements can be made fast”.
The number of families taking part in the review has increased from 81 to 461 in just one month.
However, there are multiple concerns about the review.
In their letter to the Health Secretary, a group of 100 people raised their concerns, questioning the independence of the review, and the experience of the team to handle an investigation of this magnitude.
The letter states:
“If families are to be safeguarded, real intervention is required. The review so far has been less than impactful, understaffed and moving with the viscosity of treacle.”
The families have called for Donna Ockenden, who led the inquiry into the maternity scandal at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust, to take charge of the review.
A spokesperson for the local CCG, NHS England, and NHS Improvement, who commissioned the review, said:
“The ongoing thematic review has a dedicated team who are ensuring that the experience of women and families is heard. We will continue to monitor the progress of the review and ensure that any necessary improvements to maternity services are put in place.”
Comment
It is entirely understandable that the families involved in this inquiry want to ensure that it is thorough, independent, and robust. Clearly, there are significant concerns as to whether that will be possible and, given what these families have already suffered as a result of the Trust’s failings, it is vital that they are listened to.
It seems that consideration must be given to whether the review needs to be taken over by Ms Ockenden, who has significant experience and expertise in this area. The families are facing a long wait until the end of November for a sight of this report, and deserve to have answers and plans put in place to make the improvements so desperately required at the Trust. It will be nothing short of devastating if the review does not deliver what is very clearly required.
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Danielle Young is a Senior Associate in our Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
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