Report Finds Three Mums And A Baby Died And Another Four Mums Suffered Complications Following Care Issues

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have spoken of their concern after a report found three mums, who died under the care of a Hospital Trust’s maternity unit, could have survived. 

A report into maternity services at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) has been published today. It follows a review by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch over a 16-month period. 

HSIB makes safety recommendations following Derby and Burton Hospitals maternity review

It found that three mums and a baby died. A further four mums suffered serious complications, such as heart attacks, and were resuscitated. 

Care delays, communication issues, staff shortages and a culture of bullying were highlighted in the report.

The report made a number of safety recommendation which the Hospital Trust described as “invaluable,” reports the BBC. 

Medical negligence lawyers supporting families with maternity care concerns

Law firm Irwin Mitchell represents hundreds of families affected by maternity care failings across the country, including families at UHDB. It's campaigning for improvements in maternity care nationally. 

Julianne Moore, is an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents families with maternity care concerns at UHDB.

Expert Opinion

“The findings of this report make for upsetting reading. What should have been such a joyous time for families, has in some cases, ended in the most devastating circumstances.

“The numbers contained in the report aren’t just statistics. Behind each case is a human story of how families have been shattered by care issues.

“While we welcome the Trust’s pledge to improve care by addressing the issues identified, it’s vital that these measures are upheld at all times to improve maternity safety. Transparency is key to upholding public confidence in the health service.

“Sadly through our work we continue to see too many families left to pick up the pieces following maternity failings. While it’s too late for some of the families included in this review, we anticipate that others may well have further questions and concerns following this report. Therefore, it’s important that they receive the help and support they may require to be given the answers they deserve.” Julianne Moore

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton maternity review

The incidents involving the seven mums and their babies happened between January 2021 and May 2022. They involved mums aged  between 28 and 42.

Six incidents took place in Royal Derby Hospital – three in gynaecology theatre and three in labour ward theatre – and one involved a woman who died at home.

The HSIB found that although there was no common theme to the incidents processes and leadership had been inconsistent and fragmented.

It added that "robust action planning and prompt addressing of the learning" from previous recommendations from other investigations "may have had an impact on the outcome for the women who received care during the seven events included in this thematic review".

UHDB said it had asked the HSIB to independently review the cases to give the families assurance that all possible learning had been identified.

The Trust has apologised to the families.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by issues in maternity care at our dedicated birth injuries section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.