Medical mistakes in the maternity ward: How to ensure safety within maternity units
If you have suffered due to medical mistakes in the maternity ward then contact our Legal Helpline for a free case assessment and details of no win, no fee funding. Call 0333 888 0436 or send us an email.
7 out of every 10 injuries or deaths arising from medical mistakes in the maternity ward are avoidable, according to a recent survey.
For expectant families, entering the maternity ward at your local hospital should be an exciting time. However, the press is again highlighting the fact that some families leave the maternity ward devastated due to the failings of the NHS.
So, why is the number of avoidable injuries and deaths so high?
A report provided by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists highlights various failures of maternity care, including staff members concentrating on just one element of care for the mother and therefore missing imperative observations which could potentially result in further harm being caused to both mother and baby. Other factors include breakdowns in communication on maternity units, and the fact that anaesthetists were not closely involved with problem labours. Furthermore, sufficient birthing plans had not been put in place in order to deal with pre-existing conditions of the mother to ensure that the health of both mother and baby were not affected during labour.
Of course, we must not underestimate the level of pressure that the NHS and its staff are under. However, many of the baby deaths and serious injuries that have occurred are due to NHS staff members failing to follow guidelines or best practice.
Recent headlines have also revealed further flaws in maternity services within the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Foundation. The Trust has told BBC News that they have been approached by 215 families who have made complaints about the maternity care provided. Significant errors have been questioned.
If your baby has suffered injury or sadly passed away and you believe this outcome could have been avoided but for medical mistakes in the maternity ward then call our Legal Helpline for a free case assessment. Our specialist clinical negligence team will review what happened and let you know how to go about making a legal claim. We will also be able to consider whether no win, no fee funding will be available. Call us on 0333 888 0436.