Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust are facing a criminal inquiry into the alleged deaths of 1,200 mothers and babies.
This is the latest in a long line of investigations that have scrutinised Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust’s maternity care.
Jeremy Hunt initially instigated an investigation, in 2017, when he was Health Secretary. However, as the investigation unravelled, the extent of the neglect became clear. In the latest development, the police are now considering whether there is evidence of criminality.
Rhiannon Davies, whose baby, Kate, died because of avoidable errors by the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust in 2009, has expressed gratitude towards the police and lauded their investigations as an important step towards “achieving accountability”.
Previous investigations
Investigations into the care provided by the trust initially focused on the care provided to 23 families. However, this rapidly expanded, as the Health Service Journal reported on 60 separate cases, in 2018.
By 2019 The Independent published an article about a leaked report, which documented the deaths of 42 babies and three mothers, due to poor care provided by the trust. There was also evidence that 50 babies had suffered permanent brain damage at the hands of the trust.
The number of people affected has since increased exponentially, to at least 1,200. A sombre number which far surpasses any previous inquiry of its kind.
Pryers’ Experience in Maternity Negligence
We are used to seeing the consequences of poor medical treatment, at Pryers – it’s the nature of being medical negligence solicitors. But what sets the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust inquiry apart is the sheer scale of the scandal.
Amy Crundwell is an Associate Solicitor at Pryers with expertise in claims involving pregnancy. In the wake of the latest developments she has expressed sympathy for the victims’ families. She said “it’s essential that investigations such as this take place, to get answers for the families and improve services for the future.” However, she reminds the public that “the investigations themselves can be hard on everyone involved”.
Pryers have extensive experience helping victims and their families to secure compensation for medical negligence. Amy reassures anyone considering contacting us that “we are here to support the families and get the answers that are so badly needed”.
You can call us, for a free consultation, to discuss making a claim, on 1904556600. Alternatively, you can contact us by email. Our team will advise you whether we can you make a claim on a no win no fee basis.
We recognise that compensation has its limits and work closely with Charlies-Angel-Centre Foundation. Charlies-Angel-Centre Foundation help bereaved parents and their families rebuild their lives, after the devastation of a loss. We can introduce you, or a family member, if you are struggling, having lost a child.
