NHS trusts dropped from maternity failings review

Two NHS trusts have been removed from a review of maternity failings across England.

Trusts in Shropshire and Leeds have been dropped from the government's rapid reviews of "failures in the system", after it was confirmed last month they were two of 14 trusts to be looked at.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) was removed after "discussions with West Mercia Police about the detail and schedule of [an] ongoing investigation". The decision has left families in the county shocked.

The news Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTH) is no longer included in the review comes after a "separate maternity inquiry announced by the Secretary of State" on Monday, officials said.

West Mercia Police began its own investigation in 2020, to explore whether there was evidence to support a criminal case against the trust or any individuals involved.

Earlier this year, the force announced it had started interviewing current and former members of staff.

Charlotte Cheshire, of Newport in Shropshire, has a son who was left severely disabled because of maternity failings in the county.

She said she was "absolutely horrified" to hear SaTH had been removed from the review.

She learned of the decision when a letter was sent to some parents on Tuesday.

The decision to exclude Shropshire and Leeds from the review would mean stories from families would not be heard, she explained.

"I cannot see how there is any possibility of Baroness Amos and her team actually getting to the bottom of the issues that could improve maternity care going forward," Ms Cheshire said.

Morgan, who is also the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, said: "I am quite concerned that a review into maternity care in the UK doesn't think it can learn from one of the most in-depth investigations into failings at a maternity unit over decades.

"I also think it's quite important that the families that were affected have their input.

"They were the first to come to light, they've been through incredible tragedy and trauma and I think their experience is relevant to that inquiry."