The Government has announced a new review into maternity and neonatal care at 14 NHS Trusts across England, following continued concerns about systemic failings and avoidable harm.
The review, which will be led by an independent team, will examine care standards, patient safety and the experiences of families across the Trusts.
The Trusts include:
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals
- University Hospitals of Leicester
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals
- Sandwell and West Birmingham
- Gloucestershire Hospitals
- Yeovil District Hospital
- Oxford University Hospital (John Radcliffe)
- University Hospitals Sussex
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay
- East Kent Hospitals
- Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital
Failures with devastating consequences
The announcement comes after years of scrutiny into maternity services nationally. Families have spoken out about preventable injuries and avoidable deaths, highlighting patterns of missed opportunities, poor communication and failures to learn from mistakes.
At Tees, we support many families affected by these issues. Their stories illustrate why accountability and change are so urgently needed, such as:
- Gloucestershire Hospitals – In 2023, Tees represented *Laura Harvey*, whose case related to failures in neonatal care. The claim was successfully settled and alongside the BBCdrew national attention to the risks families face when care falls short. Read the full case here: Patient safety during maternity care called into question – Tees Law
- Oxford University Hospital (John Radcliffe) – We supported Lisa and Ryan Buttery, who tragically lost their baby due to failures in care. Lisa and Ryan have shared their story publicly as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, helping to raise awareness of the impact on bereaved parents. Read the full article here: Baby loss awareness week: The heartbreak of Lisa and Ryan – Tees Law
We are also supporting other families with ongoing investigations against other Trusts included in this latest review.
Why this review matters
For families at these Trusts, this investigation represents recognition of their suffering and an opportunity for systemic change. Reviews of this kind have already exposed widespread failures in maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford, as well as East Kent and the inclusion of 14 more Trusts underlines that these problems are not isolated, but widespread across the NHS.
Supporting families through maternity claims
Our medical negligence solicitors have extensive experience in maternity and neonatal claims. We work closely with families to understand their experiences, investigate what went wrong, and secure answers, accountability and compensation where appropriate, as well as trying to enable change to prevent such avoidable loss again.
We know that legal action cannot undo the pain of losing a baby or experiencing a traumatic birth, but it can help families access the truth, hold Trusts accountable, and ensure lessons are learned to prevent harm to others.
For parents facing baby loss, support often extends beyond the legal process. Families must navigate difficult choices and decisions that can feel overwhelming at such a painful time. To help parents navigate this, we partnered with Mumsnet to create a dedicated resource: Choices after baby loss. The guide provides clear, compassionate advice and highlights the support networks available for bereaved parents.
If you or your family have been affected by maternity or neonatal care our team is here to support you. Contact our specialist medical negligence solicitors today.
