Back in 2017, the Shrewsbury and Telford Trust first made headlines when an initial review focused on a cluster of 42 cases of deaths of mothers and babies in their maternity unit. However, West Mercia Police Force has now confirmed they are investigating whether criminal charges should be brought against the Trust, or particular individuals that work under it, after hundreds of families have come forward to make formal complaints to them. The Force’s investigation is now looking at more than 1,200 matters that have been referred to them over the last few years, with dozens more avoidable deaths.

The complaints that have been referred to the Force go back from present day to 1979. They cover many instances of mother and baby deaths and also include incidents where babies have been left with permanent brain damage and other serious health conditions after being cared for under the Trust’s maternity provision.

Common examples of misconduct sustained under the maternity unit include parents being pressured in to ‘natural’ births and staff failing to monitor foetal heart rate appropriately. A range of injuries have also been recorded, including brain damage and cerebral palsy in infants.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust has confirmed that they are aware that a police investigation has commenced and the Trust is currently working with the Force on all aspects of the investigation moving forward.

The team at Linder Myers Solicitors will be following this case closely to see over the coming months how the police investigation proceeds and if the West Mercia Force can gain sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the Trust or any individuals that work under it.

If you think you or your child have suffered any similar birthing issues, that you feel may have been caused by poor medical advice or treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our specialist medical negligence team here at Linder Myers Solicitors for an initial consultation.