Bereaved families welcome ‘milestone’ for Leeds maternity inquiry
Bereaved families have welcomed the terms of reference published yesterday (Sep 28) of the Maternity Review of Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (LTHT).
The study is being led by former nurse Donna Ockenden, who met on Saturday with the Leeds Maternity Families Group ahead of the publication, which outlines what the review will focus on.
It has now been established the review will consider maternity and neonatal care from January 1 2011 up to and including March 31 2028, including where mothers and babies have suffered severe harm or death while under the care of LTHT. The final report will then be published a year afterwards, in 2029.
It was announced in October last year when Wes Streeting was Health Secretary, due to the trust having one of the highest extended perinatal mortality rates, an ‘inadequate’ CQC rating, and after ministers heard the experience of families’ harrowing ordeals.
In a statement published yesterday, the Leeds Maternity Families Group said: “It is a significant milestone for the Independent Maternity Review of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to publish its terms of reference.
“A large number of Leeds families from very diverse backgrounds have contributed a wealth of time to help shape these terms of reference.
"Hopefully, this will allow as many people as possible, across a wide range of circumstances, to be included.
“We are pleased that additional criteria have been approved and added by the DHSC, including sepsis.
“The agreed time period covered by the review is a major strength.
"This will allow the full tenures of previous CEOs of LTHT to be covered and scrutinised.
“It is important to note that even if families do not meet the strict criteria, they will still be able to contribute under the "family experiences" chapter of the investigation.
"We encourage them to still reach out to the inquiry; their experiences remain entirely valid.”
Speaking yesterday, Donna Ockenden said: “Today is a pivotal day for families, staff and the community in relation to the progress of the Review.
"The terms of reference have been reviewed and written together in partnership with families to ensure that all voices that wish to participate are heard and represented.
"In due course, the review will begin to receive information from the trust, families, and staff so that we are able to begin case reviews. Families and staff can expect to receive contact from the review team in the coming months.”
Minister for Women's Health and Maternity, Baroness Merron said: “My thoughts are with every family whose baby died or who experienced devastating harm while receiving care in Leeds.
"Their determination has brought us to this important point, and we owe it to them to listen and to establish the truth.
“This independent review has been shaped by families themselves. Under Donna Ockenden, it will examine what happened, identify where care failed and make clear recommendations to help prevent other families suffering in the same way.
“Every woman and baby deserves safe, compassionate maternity care. We are determined to improve standards in Leeds and across the country.”