Specialist Lawyers React To Worrying New BBC Investigation

Every effort must be made to investigate and address the fresh concerns which have emerged regarding maternity services at East Kent NHS Foundation Trust, according to specialist medical negligence lawyers who have acted in cases related to the organisation.

An investigation by the BBC is thought to have identified at least seven baby deaths at the trust since 2016 which it believes could have been prevented, with an inquest into one of the cases expected to conclude very shortly.

Harry Richford was born at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate in November 2017, but passed away just a week later.

The BBC reports that it is not the first time that concerns have been raised around care related to the trust, as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was asked to review standards in 2015 and found a range of issues. Furthermore, the trust was placed in special measures in 2014 following a Care Quality Commission inspection.

Following the latest investigation, the trust issued a statement to the BBC outlining how it has not always provided the right level of care but has been working to make changes to services for several years.

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at national law firm Irwin Mitchell have vast experience of acting in cases related to maternity care failings and  welcome learning lessons from mistakes in order to improve patient safety.

Expert Opinion

“These fresh issues raised about East Kent NHS Foundation Trust are very concerning and it is absolutely vital that every effort is made to thoroughly investigate standards at the organisation.

“Sadly, the nature of our work means we have seen numerous occasions when maternity care has fallen short of expected standards, with such failings often leading to death or serious injury. These incidents are of course absolutely tragic for parents, who are left completely bereft at what should be the happiest time of their lives. This distress is only compounded if early admissions of liability, or an apology, is not provided as early as possible.

“Families put a huge level of trust in the NHS that their little ones will be cared for to an adequate standard and it is vital that lessons are learned from cases where that simply has not been the case.

“While nothing will excuse the terrible, devastating events of the past, it is so important that improvements are made so that standards ultimately improve in the future.” Anita Jewitt - Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by baby deaths or birth injuries