Group Holding Drop-In Support Session And Working With Medical Negligence Lawyers To Offer Legal Advice Clinic For Families

Scores of families who fear they have suffered maternity care failings in Leeds have joined a special interest group campaigning to improve patient safety.

The Leeds Hospitals Maternity Family Support Group offers a safe, supportive space for family members to share their experiences and concerns.

Support group launched by Leeds parents following baby deaths                         

The independent group was set up by a number of parents including husband and wife Dan Ramm and Fiona Winser-Ramm, and Lauren Caulfield, whom had been cared for by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and whose babies died.

Following a BBC investigation in January, which found that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mums at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital may have been preventable, the group experienced a surge in membership requests.

Membership surges after investigation highlights more concerns about Leeds' maternity services

Organisers said it had been approached by 50 people before the investigation findings were made public. However, since the findings were revealed, it has received a further 130 requests, meaning 180 people have made contact wanting to join the group. Requests are still being considered.

The group is open to anyone adversely affected by their experience of Leeds Teaching Hospitals maternity services. These include parents who have suffered a stillbirth or neo-natal death, those whose children have suffered a life-changing birth injury, mums who have suffered serious injury during childbirth as well as those who have narrowly avoided injury as a result of care provided.    

Group organisers say they have been overwhelmed by the level of interest and are working hard to go through the requests so only people with genuine concerns join. At latest count, the group has 86 members. The group is keen to bring people together with a view to highlighting the scale of the problem and improving patient safety.

Drop-in support session for families being held at law firm's offices

The group holds in-person drop-in support sessions for families. The next session will run from 10am until 2pm on Saturday, 8 March, at the offices of law firm Irwin Mitchell in Wellington Place, Leeds. Anyone wanting to attend the session is invited to contact the group via email for further information.   

Fiona, Dan and Lauren, have been vocal in their calls for an independent inquiry into maternity services in Leeds. On Tuesday, 25 February, MP Katie White backed an independent review into the maternity services provided by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust during a Parliamentary debate. 

Organisers are hoping MPs will attend the next drop-in session to listen first-hand to families’ concerns.

Baby loss: Fiona and Dan's story

Fiona and her husband Dan’s first baby, Aliona, died just 27 minutes after she was born at Leeds General Infirmary on New Year’s Day 2020.

It followed delays in admitting Fiona after her waters broke and a delay by midwives to escalate concerns with Aliona's heart rate during labour.

An inquest in 2023 concluded that “neglect” with “a number of gross failures of the most basic nature” directly contributed to Aliona’s death.    

Following legal submissions by expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, the couple’s law firm, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust admitted liability. It acknowledged “earlier intervention would have, on the balance of probabilities, resulted in a live birth.” 

Fiona, aged 39, said: “It comes as absolutely no surprise that more families are coming forward with concerns. Following Aliona’s death the more we looked into the issues we faced the more apparent it was that we weren’t alone. We’ve spoken to so many families and heard so many stories that seemingly point towards a dysfunctional maternity service which is a risk to mums and babies.

“Five years on the hurt and pain of losing Aliona, especially in the way we did, has never diminished. It’s something that will stay with us forever.

“However, like others we can’t sit by, as without meaningful action and accountability, we feel nothing will change and we’ll still be in the same situation of too many families having to go through the worst and most indescribable pain anyone could imagine.” 

Support group response "real indication" of maternity care problems Leeds families are facing

Fiona added: “We’ve been overwhelmed at the response we’ve had and people wanting to join the group. However, it’s bittersweet, as to us, the response is a real indication of the care problems families are facing and the duration that these issues have seemingly been allowed to perpetuate.    

“Our members aren’t just those who have suffered the loss of a baby but also parents whose children have suffered a life-changing injury at birth mums who have suffered serious injury during childbirth and those who have narrowly escaped injury."    

Medical negligence lawyers to hold free legal clinic as more families contact law firm for help 

Following the BBC investigation, law firm Irwin Mitchell has been contacted by a number of parents asking the legal experts to investigate their care concerns.

In response to the continued concerns about maternity services in the city, specialist maternity safety lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are organising a free legal advice surgery in conjunction with The Leeds Hospitals Maternity Family Support Group which will take place on Wednesday, 19 March. 

The legal clinic is open to members of the support group only. As well as legal advice it will provide help and information for families on how to access other support such as bereavement services.

Katie Warner is the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, supporting families affected by maternity care issues, including Fiona.

Expert Opinion

“The issue of maternity services in Leeds continues to be a great concern. Following these latest reports, we’ve been contacted by a number of families with disturbing first-hand accounts regarding their care.

“Given the scale of concern among families in conjunction with The Leeds Hospitals Maternity Family Support Group, we’re arranging a legal surgery to support group members.

“The surgery is an opportunity for members to raise concerns and ask questions in a private and safe environment while also receiving advice and signposting towards any additional services they may need.

“Nothing can ever undo what has happened to these families, but as part of our campaign to improve maternity safety, we’re determined to do everything we can to help provide them with the answers they deserve, and where appropriate specialist support and access to therapies and rehabilitation.” Katie Warner

How to get in touch

The first session will be between 10am and 2pm and the second session will run from 6pm until 8.30pm. Appointments are to be booked in advance and will take place via telephone or Microsoft Teams, depending on the member’s preference.

Fiona added: “Many families have been left trying to navigate a complex system of trying to get answers and support, so the drop-in sessions and legal clinics are a real opportunity to help our members.”

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

Anyone wishing to find out more about the group or register to attend the legal clinic or drop-in session should email maternityfamilysupportgroupleeds@gmail.com