In a significant step towards addressing the distressing concerns surrounding maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed his deep commitment to the affected families. Following revelations that the preventable deaths of at least 56 babies over the past five years may have occurred, Streeting is set to meet with bereaved families to discuss the long-awaited inquiry into these tragic events.
Inquiry Announcement and Family Frustration
The inquiry was first announced in October 2022, following a BBC investigation that highlighted severe failings in the maternity services provided by the trust. Despite the inquiry’s announcement, families have raised alarm over the lack of a chairperson appointed to lead the investigation, expressing their concerns about dwindling trust in the process. Many have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take action to ensure the inquiry is conducted with the seriousness it deserves.
Streeting, who will meet with affected families this afternoon, has reiterated his dedication to restoring their faith in the inquiry. “Losing a baby is devastating beyond words, and you deserve not just answers, but a process you can trust,” he stated in a recent declaration. His message was one of empathy, acknowledging the courage displayed by families who have endured unimaginable grief.
The Call for Leadership in the Inquiry
Earlier this month, five MPs submitted a letter to Downing Street, voicing the concerns of Leeds families regarding the handling of the inquiry by the Department of Health. They highlighted a significant erosion of confidence and called for the appointment of senior midwife Donna Ockenden as chair. Currently overseeing an inquiry into Nottingham maternity services, Ockenden has expressed her readiness to lead the Leeds investigation and can begin immediately if requested.
The letter, delivered to Downing Street by grieving families, emphasises the urgent need for a reliable and robust methodology to be employed in the inquiry. Among the bereaved was Fiona Winser-Ramm, whose daughter Aliona tragically died in January 2020 at Leeds General Infirmary. An inquest found “a number of gross failures” that directly contributed to her death, leaving her family yearning for accountability and change.
The Trust’s Response
In the wake of the inquiry announcement, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has stated that it is taking “significant steps to address improvements.” However, the absence of a clear leadership figure has left many families feeling unsettled and uncertain about the inquiry’s direction.
Streeting’s commitment to engaging with families is a crucial step towards rebuilding trust. He emphasised the importance of a thorough and independent investigation that prioritises the voices of those most affected. “I am personally committed to ensuring this inquiry is thorough, independent, and puts families at its heart,” he assured.
Why it Matters
The inquiry into Leeds maternity care is not just about addressing past failures; it is a pivotal moment for the NHS as a whole. With numerous cases of preventable deaths, the outcome of this investigation could reshape maternity services across the UK. Ensuring accountability and implementing meaningful changes is vital to restoring public confidence in the healthcare system. For the families impacted, this inquiry represents a chance for justice and healing, and their voices must be at the forefront of this critical process.
