Families welcome scope of Leeds maternity inquiry as terms confirmed
The independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was ordered by Wes Streeting last year
Families whose babies died or were harmed while under the care of maternity services in Leeds have welcomed the terms of reference agreed for an independent review, stressing the “importance of so many voices being heard”.
The independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust was ordered by Wes Streeting last year, when the then health secretary said he was “shocked” by “repeated maternity failures” which were “made worse by the unacceptable response of the trust”.
Senior midwife and investigator Donna Ockenden, who reported earlier this year on multiple failings in Nottingham, was later named as the chairwoman.
On Monday, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published the terms of reference for the investigation which confirmed that it will consider cases back as far as 2011.
A group representing families welcomed the publication, saying this timespan was a “major strength”.
In a statement, the Leeds Maternity Families Group said: “The Independent Maternity Review of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT) has marked a pivotal moment in its mission to deliver transparency, truth, and lasting change for families across the region.
“It is a significant milestone for the Independent Maternity Review of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to publish its terms of reference.
“A large number of Leeds families from very diverse backgrounds have contributed a wealth of time to help shape these terms of reference.
“Hopefully, this will allow as many people as possible, across a wide range of circumstances, to be included.”
The families’ group said it was important for families to note that, even if they do not meet the strict criteria, they will still be able to contribute under the “family experiences” chapter of the investigation.
It said: “We encourage them to still reach out to the inquiry. Their experiences remain entirely valid.
“We are pleased that Donna (Ockenden) and the DHSC recognise the importance of so many voices being heard.”
And it added: “Our hope is that a platform has been created that will allow as many people to be seen and heard as possible, ensuring the snowball of truth continues to grow alongside the necessary accountability that must follow.”
The group urged families who has been affected by maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust within the review period to come forward.
Earlier this year, Ms Ockenden published a damning report into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust which found that more than 500 mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm or died because of “deeply embedded systemic failures” at the “toxic” trust.
She has also led a review into maternity stories at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and is leading another review into services in Sussex.
Ms Ockenden said on Monday: “Today is a pivotal day for families, staff and the community in relation to the progress of the review.”
She said: “On behalf of the Review Team and I, I would like to thank the families for their time and ongoing engagement to ensure that the Terms of Reference were inclusive and reflective of the populations’ needs.
“Your perspective and valuable feedback has helped shape the framework for the Review, and your voices will continue to be acknowledged, listened to and acted upon as the review progresses.”
Minister for Women’s Health and Maternity Baroness Merron said: “My thoughts are with every family whose baby died or who experienced devastating harm while receiving care in Leeds.
“Their determination has brought us to this important point, and we owe it to them to listen and to establish the truth.”