Maternity Services Inquiry at Wyre Forest Birth Centre
11/11/2004
We found you very professional as well as approachable, helpful and caring. We can now move on and look forward to a more stable and secure future. I am sure that this would not have happened without yourselves being involved.
Jayne, Evesham
A report has been published today into the Wyre Forest Birth Centre in Kidderminster, following an Independent Statutory Inquiry launched in January 2004.
The Centre was closed in September 2003 following the deaths of 2 babies. An internal investigation held by the Trust revealed that 4 other babies had died since the Centre opened in September 2000.
Specialist health solicitors Alexander Harris are investigating the deaths of two babies that died at the Centre. Parents met with the Trust yesterday to discuss the report and its recommendations.
Both families wish to remain anonymous. They are understandably traumatised after the death of their baby's and feel unable to speak out about their experiences. They have asked that all media enquiries should be directed to the media department at Alexander Harris solicitors on 08700 77 88 77.
Key Findings
Amongst the key findings the report reveals:
"Six unexpected deaths in newly born babies in less than 3 years in a "low risk" unit is clearly a matter of grave concern."
"There were serious weaknesses in the management of the Birth Centre by the Trust"
"there were failings in the standard of care provided, some of which were serious and may have contributed to the outcomes" (deaths).
Evidence highlighted "systematic weaknesses in the way mothers and babies were cared for at the Birth Centre".
"The staff were experienced, caring and committed but there were gaps and shortcomings in training and very little evidence of a learning culture. Relationships with the rest of the Trust were poor."
Let Down
Speaking at a public meeting held by the Trust at the Town Hall in Kidderminster today, Partner Louise Hunt from Alexander Harris solicitors spoke on behalf of the two families that the firm represents:
"The families feel completely let down by the Trust and staff at all levels including those responsible for clinical management and those who directly treated and cared for patients. The question here is why did it take several tragedies to happen before any action was taken?"
"Although they consider the report to be thorough they feel that their individual cases were not specifically addressed and many of the questions that they still have, have not been answered."
"They hope that the reports recommendations will be considered at the highest levels at the Trust and the Department of Health and ultimately stringently implemented."
"What is important for these families and local people is that they receive access to local healthcare services that are safe and do not pose risks for mothers and babies."
In one our cases examples of some of the alleged failings include:
- Systems were not in place for emergency care after baby was born in a poor state of health.
- Monitoring during labour was inadequate.
- Monitoring of baby's heart rate was not in accordance with national standards.
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