The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn has been included in a new national rapid review of maternity care in England.
The investigation will be chaired by Baroness Amos and will aim to ensure “lived experience of affected families” will be heard.
Baroness Amos(Image: PA)
It will examine a variety of concerns across the 14 trusts, including incidents when women’s voices have been ignored, safety concerns overlooked and when poor leadership had created toxic cultures.
Prof Lesley Dwyer, CEO of Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group: “We welcome the national maternity and neonatal investigation led by Baroness Amos and we are committed to playing a full and open part in it.
Lesley Dwyer(Image: NNUH)
“The QEH maternity service was rated good by the Care Quality Commission in March 2024, and many families continue to tell us about the safe and compassionate care they receive.
“However, we also know that there are times when we have not met the high standards we set ourselves and when that happens, we must apologise, learn and improve.
“Being included in this national investigation is not something we shy away from.
“It is an opportunity to look honestly at what we do well and where we must do better, alongside other hospitals, so that every woman, baby and family receives the best possible care.
“We would like to reassure mothers and families that they should not delay seeking care from our maternity and neonatal teams.
“Our staff are dedicated, skilled and caring, and they are here to support families through pregnancy, birth and beyond.
“We will work openly with Baroness Amos and her team and share learning quickly, so we can accelerate improvements for the women and babies in our care.”
Wes Streeting(Image: )
Health secretary Wes Streeting said bereaved families who had agreed to come forward with evidence had shown “extraordinary courage” in doing so.
He said: “What they have experienced is devastating and their strength will protect other families from enduring what they have been through.”