Expert medical negligence and maternity specialists at Switalskis have described reports questioning the standard of care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust as ‘seriously concerning and in need of urgent attention’.

The comments follow a BBC investigation into the Trust, which operates seven hospitals. The Trust is already being investigated by Sussex Police as part of Operation Bramber, which is looking into potential negligence affecting as many as 200 patients since 2015.

Additionally, the Trust is also one of 12 that are part of the ongoing nationwide National Maternity and Neonatal investigation led by Baroness Amos, which was announced by the government last year.

Switalskis’ experts are already representing clients who have suffered harm during surgery carried out by surgeon Marc Lamah, who was removed from practising in private hospitals due to patient safety concerns but continued operating within the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust at the Royal Sussex County Hospital until last year.

BBC investigation highlights scale of concerns

Now, reports from the BBC after its own investigation have suggested that:

• At least 55 babies who died between 2019 and 2023 may have survived with better care
• A review of nine stillbirths in 2021 and 2022 found missed opportunities in all cases
• External investigators warned that a "normal birth" culture (promoting vaginal delivery with minimal medical intervention) was causing concern
• Payments for maternity errors at the Trust were the highest in England last year.

The BBC report also claimed that payments for clinical negligence at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust between 2021 and 2025 were double the amount paid in the same period by the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, which is currently subject to the Ockenden Inquiry - the largest maternity inquiry in the history of the NHS.

‘A worrying chain of events for one single Trust’: our expert’s view

Chris Gresswell-Green from Switalskis’ highly-regarded medical negligence team, which is supporting dozens of women and families who have suffered harm during maternity care at some of the 12 Trusts being investigated as well as other NHS hospitals, said: “Yet again, we see reports which cast serious doubt on patient safety at this Trust.

“This is a worrying chain of events for one single Trust. We already know there is a police investigation through Operation Bramber, there are the obvious concerns over the surgery and safety record of Marc Lamah and of course, the Trust is one of just 12 to be examined by Baroness Amos’ review.

“I’m sure Baroness Amos and her team will be looking very closely at the findings of the BBC investigation but these latest reports are seriously concerning and in need of urgent attention.”

Chris added: “From our long experience in supporting women and families who have experienced the loss of a baby, serious injury to the child including life-changing brain injuries and harm to the mother herself, we know how traumatic this can be for all of those affected.

“The Trust and the NHS more widely have to ensure that these families are taken care of and have access to the support they will need but also have to look at each case closely to make the necessary improvements in the Trust’s maternity units and across all of its hospitals.”

Speak to Our Specialist Maternity Negligence Team

If you or your baby have been affected by maternity negligence  or suffered a birth injury  at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust or any other hospital, our specialist medical negligence solicitors  are here to support you.

We approach every case with sensitivity, care and respect. Our focus is always on securing answers, accountability and the financial support families may need to move forward.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team in confidence, please contact us for a free, no-obligation conversation. We are here to listen and to help you understand your options.