The need for urgent maternity care reform as analysis identifies top 10 Hospital Trusts with highest number of preventable birth injury claims
Each year there are more than 600,000 births in the UK. The vast majority are safe and bring enjoyment and happiness to families.
There are, however, a small number each year where there are preventable birth injuries resulting in devastating consequences for families including stillbirth, maternal injury, brain damage and cerebral palsy.
These injuries require rehabilitation and support for the injured child and their families which is accessed through the litigation process.
Preventable birth injuries
A recent analysis of claims against Hospital Trusts in England has identified Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust as having had the highest number of preventable birth injuries over the past two years.
Nottingham University Hospital and Barts Health NHS Trust follow closely, with substantial compensation payouts for birth-related injuries.
The analysis, based on data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, follows a number of high-profile inquiries into maternity care at a Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, East Kent Hospitals, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Top 10 Hospital Trusts with highest number of birth injury claims
According to the data, the 10 Hospital Trusts having the highest number of preventable birth injury claims are:
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Barts Health NHS Trust
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
The importance of upholding care standards
As the leading medical negligence firm, we frequently encounter cases where substandard maternity care has led to severe consequences for both mums and their babies.
The findings of this analysis underscore the critical need for upholding high standards of care in maternity services.
One of the most concerning issues highlighted is the failure to respond to 'red flags' such as abnormal heart rates, bleeding, and reduced fetal movements.
These delays in treatment can lead to devastating outcomes, including brain damage and cerebral palsy in children as well as injuries to mums. Whist it is certainly true that funding and staff recruitment issues contribute to the failures in maternity services, the rates of incidence of HIE (Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy) in babies have remained static over the last 10 years, which would suggest that the issue lies in a failure to learn from mistakes.
Conclusion
The analysis of the Trusts' data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in the NHS maternity services.
From effective ante-natal education through to labour, delivery and post-natal care as well as fostering a culture of learning from past mistakes are essential steps towards providing safer and more reliable care for expectant mothers and their babies.
As specialist medical negligence solicitors, we remain committed to advocating for the rights of those affected by medical negligence and working towards a healthcare system that prioritises patient safety and well-being.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by maternity care failings at our dedicated birth injuries section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.
