Review of maternity services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

The first report of Donna Ockenden and her team into the review of maternity services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has been published today.

The total cases currently being reviewed are 1,862 and this first report sets out concerns and emerging themes that need to be addressed as a result of a review of just 250 of those cases. The review being undertaken by Ms Ockenden and her team focuses on cases of maternal and neonatal harm at the Trust between the years 2000 and 2019. The report has identified a considerable number of failings and concerns but has set out a number of recommendations for improvements not only at the Trust but in maternity services across the country.  

In summary, the initial review has identified a number of failings ranging from poor bereavement care, unsafe monitoring of mothers whilst in labour, poor staff engagement with families, failure to learn from mistakes, concerns as to levels of staff competence and inadequate assessments. The list is extensive and the full report can be found here.

Ms Ockenden and her team are continuing in their review with a full report to be provided once that review has taken place. The initial report today makes for very harrowing reading and the impact upon many families affected by poor care received at this Trust is unimaginable. It can only be hoped that this review leads to real changes not only within the Trust but in maternity services across the country.

For more information

If you have any concerns about midwifery or obstetric care that has been provided to you, your children or a member of your family then a member of our team would be happy to discuss this with you on a no-obligation basis. Please contact Rankeshwar Batta or Victoria Fullilove.

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