It has been announced today that a criminal investigation is to be launched into the failings that have led to many deaths and injuries to babies at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust.

The maternity units at the Trust are currently under intense scrutiny as a result of the review led by Senior Midwife, Donna Ockenden, into the treatment and care of many mothers and babies at their maternity units which resulted in babies dying or being injured. This is reported to be the largest review in the UK, with almost 1800 cases being examined. The Trust also faced prosecution earlier this year by the CQC and was found guilty and fined.

The very recent conviction of Lucy Letby has shaken so many people across the nation, not least the families who have lost babies as a result of alleged negligent care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital. It underlines the huge concern these families have as to whether they continue to have faith in the NHS, and the extent to which Trust officials may bear responsibility for some of the harm suffered. 

At Switalskis we welcome this latest significant step and will continue to support the families we currently represent with claims against Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and those families we represent in the Letby Inquiry. We hope that all the families involved receive answers to the questions they have. We also hope responsibility and accountability will finally be taken by Trust officials and that changes will be made.  Suzanne Munroe, Head of Clinical Negligence at Switalskis said: “There needs to be a total rethink and radical cultural change within the NHS and a true willingness to learn from these awful events, and those we have seen in recent times, to prevent tragedies in the future. We are hopeful that the combination of these inquiries and the criminal investigations will bring about change and safer maternity services for all.”

We invite anyone who has been affected by care received at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Countess of Chester Hospital or Liverpool Women’s Hospital, to reach out and make contact with us so that we can advise you on your particular circumstances and begin to support you with our specialist knowledge and expertise.  Call 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com