‘My baby died after I was ignored.’ More families call for Leeds NHS maternity inquiry

‘My baby died after I was ignored.’ More families call for Leeds NHS maternity inquiry

The demand for a maternity care inquiry has been amplified by dozens more parents, each with their own troubling experiences. When Tassie Weaver was about to welcome her first child, she found herself in a harrowing situation as she realized her baby had not survived the labor process. Despite being instructed to call the local maternity unit immediately due to her high blood pressure and concerns about the baby’s growth, Tassie was advised to stay at home by a midwife. This disregard for her high-risk status and the dismissal of her worries ultimately led to a tragic outcome.

Tassie and her husband, John, are among 47 families who have come forward following the BBC’s investigation into the inadequate maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust between 2017 and 2024. The trust has acknowledged the failures in their care and has expressed regret for the distress caused to the families. Dr. Magnus Harrison, the trust’s chief medical officer, outlined the actions being taken to address the issues identified and emphasized the commitment to ensuring a culture of openness and safety.

In addition to the new families sharing their stories, three more whistleblowers have raised concerns about the standard of care at LTH’s maternity units. The culture of fear among staff in raising concerns has been highlighted, reinforcing the urgency for systemic changes. The trust’s history of clinical claims related to obstetric deaths and injuries further underscores the need for a comprehensive review of their maternity services. The gravity of these issues has prompted calls for an independent investigation by senior midwife Donna Ockenden to lead the way in creating impactful change.

As the families affected by the failures in maternity care continue to seek answers and justice, Health Secretary Wes Streeting remains under pressure to address these systemic issues. While some families are advocating for a national inquiry into maternity safety, Mr. Streeting has proposed alternative measures to improve safety within the system. The experiences shared by families like Tassie Weaver and Heidi Mayman underscore the urgent need for transformative reforms that prioritize the well-being of expectant mothers and their babies

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