Investigation into Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Information and support for families

By Suzanne Munroe

Published January 17, 2025In: Clinical Negligence

Recent reports have revealed serious concerns about the quality and safety of maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust. According to data obtained by the BBC, the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers over the past five years could potentially have been prevented. These alarming findings have prompted calls for an independent review into the Trust and reforms to maternity care across England.

At Switalskis, we support many families who have been directly affected by substandard maternity care at Leeds hospitals. We understand how devastating these experiences can be and are committed to helping families seek answers, accountability, and justice.

Background

Trust-led reviews reveal that issues in care at LTH contributed to 27 stillbirths, 29 deaths, and two maternal deaths between January 2019 and July 2024. These deaths were classified as potentially preventable.

In addition, the investigation highlighted that LTH has the highest mortality rate in the UK. In 2022, there were 4.46 deaths per 1,000 live births, a 70% increase compared to the average for similar trusts. This rate has risen from 3.30 per 1,000 live births in 2017.

Whistle blowers and bereaved families have reported:

Delays in care: Instances where delays in admitting a mother or escalating concerns about foetal heart rate led to a baby’s death.
Dismissal of severe pain complaints: One mother’s repeated complaints were dismissed, resulting in her baby’s stillbirth. The mother alleges racial discrimination.
Disparities in care: Some mothers believe their ethnicity influenced the quality of their treatment, citing disparities compared to white patients.

These experiences highlight serious concerns about a “tick-box” culture, inadequate escalation of patient concerns, and under-staffing at Leeds hospitals.

Professor Phil Wood, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, issued an apology to the women and families who shared their negative experiences to the BBC . He noted that LTH is a specialist centre caring for "the most poorly babies" and argued that comparisons with other hospitals, even within the same specialist category, can be misleading.

Concerns about oversight

Some families have expressed doubts about the independence of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), as its current chief executive, Sir Julian Hartley, previously served as chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals during the reported incidents. These concerns have led to calls for a judge-led public inquiry to ensure transparency and drive systemic reform.

Meanwhile, Chris Dzikiti, interim chief inspector of healthcare at the CQC, has stated that LTH’s maternity services remain under close oversight. He noted that maternity services were inspected in late 2024 following concerns raised by families, with the findings set to be published soon.

How Switalskis can help

At Switalskis, we have supported families affected by poor maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. We understand the immense pain and trauma caused by these experiences and are dedicated to providing compassionate legal support.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by maternity care failings, we encourage you to contact our experienced team for a confidential consultation. Together, we can help you understand your options and guide you toward justice and resolution.