The independent inquiry into maternity services at East Kent Hospitals Trust reported its findings today (19/10/2022).
It found “a clear pattern …. those responsible for the services too often provided clinical care that was suboptimal and led to significant harm, failed to listen to the families involved, and acted in ways which made the experience of families unacceptably and distressingly poor.”
“Had care been given to the nationally recognised standards, the outcome could have been different in 97, or 48%, of the 202 cases assessed by the Panel, and the outcome could have been different in 45 of the 65 baby deaths, or 69% of these cases”
This report came about because of the persistence and dedication of parents. We and future families owe a huge debt of gratitude to them for speaking out repeatedly and not allowing the issues to be brushed under the carpet.
Our Chief Executive, Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG FRSA, comments:
“My heart goes out to all the families of those affected by the poor maternity care at East Kent. Tragically, the Kirkup Report has found that so many of these baby deaths were preventable.
We know that at least one of these deaths was due to group B Strep – little Archie Powell sadly died from group B Strep infection in 2019 aged just four days, despite showing many signs of infection that should have prompted treatment.
It’s so important that the NHS truly learns from this report, and the many others that have come before it. Too often these scandals are treated as a one-off, an aberration, and systems-wide learning is not taken on board.”
For more information: Maternity and neonatal services in East Kent: ‘Reading the signals’ report
