NHS Trust quietly pays £35 million towards birth injury claims in 2 years

In a disturbing revelation, a Surrey NHS Trust has quietly paid out £35 million in birth injury compensation over the last two years, exposing “shockingly poor care” within NHS maternity units and bringing attention to a long-neglected crisis.

The UK’s first parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma, chaired by MPs Theo Clarke and Rosie Duffield, aims to address the prevalent issue of “shockingly poor care” during childbirth in the NHS, breaking the taboo surrounding the topic.

The Birth Trauma Association (BTA), led by CEO Kim Thomas, sheds light on the widespread problem of “shockingly poor care” experiences in NHS maternity units, where complaints from women are often downplayed, contributing to a culture of silence.

Investigations revealed alarming statistics from a Surrey NHS Trust, which paid over £35 million in birth injury compensation between November 2021 and November 2023. The Trust reported 236 incidents of 3rd and 4th-degree tears and 95 cases of postpartum haemorrhage during this period.

Kim Thomas highlighted the historical silence around birth trauma, attributing it to societal attitudes not wanting to alarm pregnant women. Contrary to public perception, seeking compensation for NHS-related birth injuries is a formidable challenge.

The revelation of an NHS Trust paying such a large amount towards birth injuries underscores the urgent need to address the silent crisis of poor maternity care. The parliamentary inquiry is crucial for breaking taboos, empowering women to voice their experiences, and prompting systemic changes to ensure safer childbirth practices within the NHS. The statistics demand a revaluation of current practices and a collective effort to prioritise the well-being of mothers and newborns.

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