Grieving families have shared their experiences of facing NHS “concealments,” leading them to reluctantly advocate for change following a significant report that revealed numerous instances of harm to mothers and infants.
During a recent press briefing, parents recounted their traumatic experiences with the aim of preventing similar tragedies from reoccurring, as highlighted by top midwife Donna Ockenden’s investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). The inquiry, which is the largest of its kind in NHS history, uncovered 520 cases where mothers and babies suffered avoidable harm or death due to substandard care.
Approximately 2,500 families participated in the inquiry, with around 2,000 agreeing to share their stories, many of which have profoundly impacted their lives. Lead campaigner Jack Hawkins emphasized that they are individuals who, having experienced harm, transformed into advocates due to the failure of maternity staff and leaders to heed their concerns.
The affected families are now calling for a comprehensive statutory public inquiry to be conducted. Below are some of the poignant narratives shared during the press conference.
For instance, Sarah and Jack Hawkins, both healthcare professionals, trusted their NUH colleagues to care for them during the birth of their first child, Harriet, in 2016. Despite raising concerns about Harriet’s well-being during a prolonged labor, the couple faced dismissive responses from the maternity unit, ultimately resulting in the tragic loss of their daughter. Subsequent investigations revealed glaring deficiencies in the care provided, leading the couple to believe that Harriet’s death was preventable.
Another heartbreaking account involves Gary and Sarah Andrews, who lost their daughter Wynter shortly after birth in 2019 due to errors in care. NUH faced legal consequences and was fined after admitting to shortcomings in Wynter’s treatment, exposing her and her mother to significant risks.
Additionally, the report highlighted the distressing case of Carly Wesson and Carl Everson, who were misinformed about their baby’s health, leading them to make a devastating decision to terminate the pregnancy. Subsequent investigations revealed that their baby was healthy, underscoring the devastating impact of misinformation on their lives.
These are just a few examples of the profound suffering experienced by families due to lapses in care at NUH. The demand for accountability and systemic changes in maternity services remains a pressing issue for those affected.
