More than 100 hospital baby deaths to be investigated

An investigation that was initiated last year to examine 23 cases of maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust (SaTH) has now expanded to 104 cases.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has expressed serious concerns about patient safety after an inspection of SaTH’s maternity care. As a result, CQC have announced that they will be taking further action against SaTH.

The investigation is currently looking at incidents between 2000 and 2017 whereby babies were harmed allegedly as a result of negligent medical care by maternity staff.

So far, 104 families have asked for their cases to be heard as part of the investigation. SaTH have said they are closely cooperating with the CQC in order to improve their maternity services.

Historical cases whereby mothers or babies were harmed or died in the care of SaTH will be considered as evidence towards the investigation.

More information will be published once it is legally allowed.

Amanda Cavanagh, a Medical Negligence Specialist at Ashtons Legal, says: “This is truly shocking. How has this gone unnoticed over a period of 10 years? It is deeply concerning that the 23 original investigations have now increased to 104 and a year later those affected still have no answers.”