Health Secretary Responds to Families’ Concerns Over Leeds Maternity Services
The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving maternity services in the wake of concerns raised by families affected by inadequate care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTH).
While he did not commit to a full review, he described it as “completely unacceptable” that parents and babies had “not received the care they deserve” and vowed to take action to “fix our maternity services.”
This response comes after a BBC investigation revealed that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers over the past five years at LTH may have been preventable. The investigation also highlighted concerns raised by two whistleblowers who described the units as unsafe due to chronic understaffing. Speaking anonymously, one experienced clinical staff member referred to the service as “completely broken,” noting the significant strain placed on staff and the impact on care quality.
Despite these challenges, the maternity units at LTH are currently rated “good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), England’s healthcare regulator. This rating reflects positive aspects of care within the trust, even as efforts are needed to address systemic issues.
In a letter to Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, families called for a comprehensive “open book review that leaves no stone unturned.” They requested the involvement of Donna Ockenden, a respected midwife known for her independent reviews of maternity services in Shropshire and Nottingham.
The Health Secretary recognised the concerns raised and expressed his commitment to taking ‘swift action’ to ensure women and babies receive ‘safe, personalised, and compassionate care.’ He acknowledged that ‘systemic change would take time’ but emphasised that preventing future tragedies remains a priority.
Our specialist, in-house team at UKExpertmedical empathises with the families navigating the aftermath of these events. We work closely with medical experts and legal professionals across the country via our directory to seek clarity, accountability, and justice for those affected.
