The Truth for Our Babies group has welcomed a 'full and inclusive' review into maternity care failings at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UH Sussex), which is expected to investigate more than 1,000 cases.
The investigation will examine cases dating back to 2018, including all harmed and bereaved families unless they opt out. The group, which represents over 60 affected families, has been pushing for a probe 'that reflects the scale of harm experienced due to failures in care'.
Senior midwife and investigator Donna Ockenden will lead the review, a key request from families who met Health Secretary Wes Streeting in Brighton last month. The group said: 'It gives us hope that families will finally receive the answers they have been seeking.'
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the review will cover stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death, neonatal harm from severe brain injuries, and severe maternal harm. Mr Streeting praised the families' courage and said the scope is 'deliberately broad and inclusive'.
Ms Ockenden has the power to consider cases from before 2018 and those with incomplete records. Anita Jewitt, head of medical negligence at Stewarts, said the opt-out approach is 'hugely significant' but stressed the need for clarity on scope.
Full terms of reference will be decided in the coming months. Ms Ockenden added: 'Family voices will run through the heart of the review.'
