Summary
An independent investigation has been announced to examine failures in maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the UK. Health Secretary Wes Streeting initiated the inquiry after reports suggested that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers over five years might have been preventable. The investigation will look into what went wrong at Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital.
Key Facts
- An independent inquiry will investigate maternity care failures at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
- The inquiry follows reports of potentially preventable deaths of 56 babies and two mothers.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the inquiry after hearing from affected families.
- The issues occurred at Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital.
- More than 70 families have shared their experiences of traumatic care over 15 years.
- The Care Quality Commission downgraded the trust’s maternity units to "inadequate".
- Some families want Donna Ockenden to lead the inquiry due to her experience in similar cases.
- The inquiry's terms and leadership details are yet to be announced by the Department of Health.
