Police investigation launched into Shropshire baby deaths and injuries

West Mercia Police have launched an investigation into whether there is evidence to support a criminal case against Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust following allegations of poor maternity care.

The Trust is already subject to an independent inquiry, led by midwife Donna Ockenden. The initial inquiry, established in 2017, primarily focused on 23 cases. Since then, the number of alleged cases has risen as more families have reported concerns about the maternity care they received. 

At least 1,200 alleged cases have now been identified over a 40-year period which involve the deaths of babies and mothers during childbirth, as well as babies who have suffered permanent harm. 

Earlier this year, Ms Ockenden reported that concerns had been received from people who were patients at the Trust as recently as 2019.  The details of some of these cases will be passed to the police.  Assistant Chief Constable, Geoff Wessell made the following statement:

“We can confirm that a police investigation will be conducted to explore whether there is evidence to support a criminal case either against the Trust or any individuals involved. The investigation is now live so we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

If you are affected by this issue, contact Donna Ockenden’s team or West Mercia police to report your concerns.

Claim medical negligence compensation for poor maternity care from Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust

As well as reporting to the police, anyone who received substandard maternity care from the hospitals run by the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust may be able to claim medical negligence compensation. For example, if negligent maternity care resulted in:

• The deaths of mothers and/or babies after birth
• Stillbirths
• Birth injuries such as brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation during birth

Depending on the circumstances, you and your family could be entitled to substantial compensation for things like pain and suffering, loss of amenity, loss of earnings and the long-term costs of care, rehabilitation and treatment.

Why choose us for your birth injury compensation claim?

If your child has been left with permanent injuries as a result of negligent maternity care, our team of top ranked solicitors can help. Our medical negligence lawyers specialise in birth injury cases and we have a proven record of securing much needed compensation to help children and their families.  We can help you, your child and your family to obtain the support that you need to move forward.  

For further information about making a claim, visit our birth injury compensation claims page or read some of our Case Studies to find out more about how we can help you.

We recognise that this is a very difficult situation.  Our team offer you empathetic, clear and practical support to help you pursue compensation under the most challenging of circumstances.

Read more about why our clients choose us to help them and how we can help you. 

Do you need advice about poor maternity care from Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust?

If you or a family member have received maternity care from Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust and have concerns about the standard of care provided please do contact our leading clinical negligence solicitors by submitting an “Ask Us a Question Form” from our website or calling us on 0113 245 8549.