Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed his deep concern for bereaved families as he prepares to address the ongoing issues surrounding the Leeds maternity care inquiry. This inquiry was announced in October following a BBC investigation revealing that at least 56 infant deaths in the past five years at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust may have been preventable. With no chair yet appointed for this crucial investigation, families are increasingly anxious, urging further governmental action.
Streeting’s Commitment to Bereaved Families
In a statement ahead of a scheduled meeting with affected families, Streeting acknowledged the erosion of trust in the inquiry process and vowed to work closely with families to rebuild their confidence. He articulated the emotional toll of losing a child, emphasising, “Losing a baby is devastating beyond words, and you deserve not just answers, but a process you can trust.” Streeting praised the courage displayed by families enduring such profound grief, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that the inquiry is comprehensive, independent, and family-centred.
In response to the concerns raised, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has promised to implement significant improvements. However, the lack of a chairperson for the inquiry has left many families feeling disillusioned and anxious about the proceedings.
Calls for Leadership
Earlier this month, a group of five Members of Parliament sent a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging him to intervene in the situation. The letter highlighted the diminishing faith families have in the Health Secretary’s management of the inquiry and expressed concerns about potential delays. It specifically requested the appointment of senior midwife Donna Ockenden as chair of the investigation. Ockenden is currently leading a prominent inquiry into Nottingham’s maternity services, which involves examining around 2,500 cases of reported failings. She has publicly stated her willingness to chair the Leeds maternity services review and is prepared to commence work immediately.
The correspondence was hand-delivered to Downing Street by families on 11 February, including Fiona Winser-Ramm and Dan Ramm, who tragically lost their daughter Aliona in January 2020 due to what an inquest identified as “a number of gross failures” in care.
The Urgency of Action
Fiona Winser-Ramm expressed her frustration, stating, “When we’ve met with the Secretary of State, he is often saying the right things to us, but it isn’t translating into what is proposed for the inquiry by the Department of Health.” This sentiment echoes the apprehensions of many families who feel that the promise of a thorough investigation is yet to materialise in tangible action.
As the inquiry remains stalled, the families await assurances that their grief will not be compounded by further delays in seeking justice and accountability for their losses.
Why it Matters
The situation surrounding the Leeds maternity care inquiry highlights critical issues within the healthcare system, including the need for effective oversight and accountability. The voices of bereaved families are essential in driving change, ensuring that no other families experience the same devastating losses. As the inquiry progresses, it is imperative that the government not only listens to these families but also acts decisively to restore their faith in the health system, ultimately safeguarding future generations. The outcome of this inquiry could reshape maternity care standards across the UK, making it a matter of national importance.
