15 January 2020

The independent review into our maternity services was tonight the subject of an adjournment debate in Parliament. Below is a statement from our Chief Executive, Paula Clark:

“In November, Donna Ockenden, the midwife leading the independent inquiry into our maternity services, made a public appeal for any families that had not had a chance to ask questions to come forward. We fully supported that appeal and shared it with the communities that our hospitals serve on several Trust social media platforms. We are glad that her appeal appears to have had the desired effect, as it is important that every family that wants to speak to Donna’s team has the opportunity to do so.

“The 900 cases referred to in the adjournment debate in Parliament clearly include families who have suffered loss, for which we are truly sorry, as well as families who have come forward with questions and concerns who are seeking reassurance and information. We remain committed to working with the review to help all the families get the answers they need in one all-encompassing final report.

“We would like to reassure all families using our maternity services that we are listening and acting on feedback. We have made improvements which have been reported by the CQC following their inspection in November 2019.”

Anyone who is currently using our maternity services and has any questions can speak to their midwife or can contact the Trust via email sath.womenandchildren@nhs.net with your preferred mode and details of communication for return contact.