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A recent independent review has revealed that at least 55 infants who died at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust may have had a chance of survival with more effective medical care. This alarming finding has ignited discussions about the need for enhanced maternity services and accountability, particularly following the tragic experiences of bereaved families.
Overview of the Review
The inquiry, which was initiated by Health Secretary Wes Streeting last June, is part of a broader investigation into maternity practices at the trust that now encompasses the experiences of 15 families. The current discussions centre around the appointment of a lead investigator to oversee this critical examination. The internal review conducted by the trust between 2019 and 2023 assessed maternity deaths and indicated that better care could have potentially changed the outcomes for many of the deceased infants.
Freedom of Information requests filed by the advocacy group Truth for Our Babies, formed by grieving parents, revealed that the trust undertook 227 internal reviews into maternity-related fatalities during the same timeframe. Among these, 55 cases were rated as requiring further scrutiny, with classifications indicating that alternative approaches to care could have significantly impacted the results.
Personal Stories Highlighting Systemic Issues
One family deeply affected by these findings is that of Robert Miller, whose daughter, Abigail Fowler Miller, passed away just two days after her birth at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in January 2022. An inquest into Abigail’s death concluded that she might have survived if her mother, Katie Fowler, had received timely medical intervention. Tragically, Ms Fowler suffered a cardiac arrest during the birthing process, underscoring the dire consequences of delayed care.
Miller has been vocal in advocating for Donna Ockenden, a senior midwife with extensive experience, to lead the independent inquiry. He expressed his desire for a trusted figure to guide the investigation, stating, “It’s about our trauma and our harm and not being re-traumatised unnecessarily.” His concerns extend to the government’s current national maternity review, led by Baroness Amos, which he believes lacks the necessary depth to address the systemic failings adequately.
Ongoing Improvements and Challenges
Despite the troubling findings, there have been efforts to improve maternity care at the trust. A recent report by the Care Quality Commission indicated that while the Royal Sussex County Hospital’s maternity services still require improvement, the situation has progressed from an ‘inadequate’ rating four years ago.
Dr Andy Heeps, the chief executive of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, extended heartfelt apologies to families affected by these tragedies. He acknowledged the trust’s shortcomings and highlighted the measures being implemented to enhance care, such as recruiting additional midwives and increasing theatre capacity for planned Caesarean deliveries.
The trust’s perinatal mortality rate has shown promising trends, decreasing to 2.19 per 1,000 births, down from a previous rate of around three. While these statistics suggest that improvements are in motion, the families impacted by these failures remain sceptical about the pace and adequacy of the changes.
The Need for Comprehensive Accountability
As the independent investigation unfolds, the families involved are calling for a thorough examination that holds all parties accountable. Many, like Miller, remain adamant that only a judge-led public inquiry can truly ensure the necessary scrutiny and compel individuals to provide testimony. The sense of urgency in their appeals highlights the profound impact that inadequate maternity care can have on families and the broader community.
Why it Matters
The revelations from the review into University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust are not merely statistics; they represent the heartbreaking realities faced by families who have endured unimaginable losses. Ensuring that maternity care meets the highest standards is not only a matter of health policy but a fundamental right for all mothers and infants. The ongoing discussions and investigations are critical for restoring trust in the healthcare system and ensuring that such tragedies do not recur. With the potential for systemic reform on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever for families who deserve answers and accountability.
