At Switalskis, we closely monitor developments in healthcare to ensure patients receive the best possible care and support. Recently, North Lincolnshire Council leader, Councillor Rob Waltham, made a heartfelt appeal for urgent investment in maternity services at Scunthorpe General Hospital - a call that highlights critical issues affecting local families and the broader community.

The challenge facing Scunthorpe’s Maternity Services

Maternity care at Scunthorpe General Hospital is currently under immense pressure. Classified as high risk regarding quality and safety, Scunthorpe maternity services are struggling to meet the demands of a growing and diverse population. Staff shortages, outdated facilities and increasing patient numbers are contributing to significant challenges in delivering safe and effective maternity care.

Brigg and Wolds ward Councillor Waltham’s recent letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting detailed in GrimsbyLive urges that national reviews of maternity and neonatal services translate into meaningful improvements on the ground. The goal? To ensure that families in North Lincolnshire are not left with “secondary” or substandard care simply because of where they live.

Why this matters

Every parent deserves reassurance that their maternity care is safe, modern and well-resourced. When hospitals face staffing shortages and infrastructure issues, the risk of medical complications rises - and with it, the risk of medical negligence. For expectant families, this uncertainty can cause real anxiety during what should be an exciting and joyous time.

At Switalskis, we understand the impact that inadequate healthcare provision can have on patients and families. When failures in care occur - whether due to systemic underfunding or operational challenges - our experienced team is here to help secure justice and compensation for those affected.

Chris Gresswell Green, Director and Solicitor in Switalskis birth injury claims team said:
“The reality is that maternity care should never be a postcode lottery. Expectant parents in Scunthorpe deserve the same high-quality, well-resourced services as those anywhere else in the country. When maternity services fall short, the consequences can be devastating, both medically and emotionally, and that’s why urgent action is needed.”

What can be done?

Investment in Scunthorpe and wider maternity services is not just about infrastructure - it’s about protecting families and ensuring every child has a safe start in life. This means:

• Increased funding for staff recruitment and training
• Upgrading facilities and equipment
• Implementing robust safety protocols to reduce risks
• Engaging with communities to understand and address their specific needs

How Switalskis specialist birth injury solicitors can help

If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to inadequate maternity care in Scunthorpe, it’s important to know your rights. Switalskis specialise in medical negligence claims and offer compassionate, expert advice to guide you through the process.

We help families secure the compensation and support they need while holding healthcare providers to account. Our experience means we can also work to secure early admissions of liability and interim payments where possible, so you can access essential care and rehabilitation sooner.

The urgent call for investment at Scunthorpe General Hospital highlights a wider issue facing maternity services in many parts of the UK. At Switalskis, we stand with communities demanding safer, better-funded healthcare and we’re ready to support families when things go wrong.

If you have concerns about maternity services in Scunthorpe or believe you have a potential medical negligence claim, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Contact our specialist birth injury claims team on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com