At Bridge McFarland LLP our medical negligence team represent a number of women who have been failed by the NHS during their maternity care. A time when all women should feel safe and secure during such a precious time of their lives.
Maternity Service Failings
Maternity services in the UK are facing significant challenges that raise concerns about the safety and quality of care for mothers and babies. Our recent article about the Ockenden Review highlights how some Hospital Trusts are facing scrutiny, but our experience tells us it is not just those Trusts that are struggling. This is a country wide problem.
There are a number of issues facing the NHS maternity services in the UK. Our own experience of advising mothers failed by the system has led us to identify trends in the following areas, raising significant concern.
Understaffing and its Consequences:
The Royal College of Midwives has repeatedly highlighted the severe impact of understaffing on the quality and safety of care, leading to increased risks for both mothers and newborns. They say many midwives are leaving the profession due to burnout and feeling undervalued, further exacerbating the staffing crisis.
Nicola Evans, Partner in our Clinical Negligence department explains, “We hear stories of how a staff member was too over stretched to provide the required attention, leaving vulnerable patients sometimes to face the worst possible outcome of either physical harm or baby loss as a result.” Staff numbers are important and there are guidelines in place to ensure that wards are safe. Failing to meet those requirements on a regular basis is not acceptable.
Safety Concerns and Preventable Harm:
Numerous reports and investigations have revealed serious failings in maternity care at various NHS Trusts. These include instances of delays in treatment, inadequate monitoring of mother and baby, poor communication, and a failure to learn from past mistakes. Tragically, these failings have contributed to preventable stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and maternal deaths. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has consistently rated a significant proportion of maternity services as “requiring improvement” or “inadequate” for safety. Despite this, change is not happening fast enough.
Regional Disparities in Maternity Care:
The quality and safety of maternity services vary significantly across the UK. Some regions, particularly the North of England, show worse outcomes and higher rates of adverse events compared to the South. This geographical divide highlights inequalities in access to resources and quality of care.
Failure to listen to the patient:
A recurring theme to us is that had the midwife or doctor just listened to the patient’s concerns then perhaps something would have been done differently:
“I told them” “I asked for help” “They didn’t listen” “I didn’t feel right” “I knew something was wrong” “They never came back”
Women are often left ignored, their concern being dismissed, particularly in first time mothers or early labour experiences.
The Urgent Need for Change
At Bridge McFarland we are seriously concerned that despite numerous inquiries, recommendations, serious incident investigations and increased investment in maternity services as a result of the recent inquiries, the pace of progress in improving safety and outcomes has been too slow.
There is concern that serious harm is becoming “normalised” in some maternity units, with lessons not being learned effectively. Midwives are often working through breaks, longer hours with very little support and supervision and often with staff numbers below the recommended levels.
Without significant change, the safety and well-being of mothers and babies in the UK remains at serious risk.
Have You Experienced Maternity Care Negligence?
If you, or a loved one, have been affected by poor maternity care, including issues with staffing levels on wards, please do get in touch. We will listen, and if possible, we will help you get answers. We can help you raise a complaint about your care and, where possible investigate a medical negligence claim on your behalf.
Get the answers you deserve and telephone our experienced medical negligence team on 0800 987 8800 or submit a free online enquiry here and we will contact you. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected].
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
medicalnegligence.co.uk is owned and operated by Bridge McFarland LLP, an established and nationally recognised law firm renowned for specialist expertise and experience in this complex area of law. With our determination and commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional standard of service, we have held the highly regarded Lexcel quality mark since June 2008.
Partner, Nicola Evans holds the Law Society Accreditation for Clinical Negligence, highlighting that she is a highly experienced lawyer in the field. She specialises in gynaecological/maternity claims.
Related News and Resources
Update on the Ockenden Maternity Services investigation
Maternity: Broken Trust – a Medical Negligence Review
Widespread Maternity Failings Are Cause For ‘National Shame’ Says Health Secretary.
