Claire Levene
Solicitor
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Solicitor | Medical Negligence
14 NHS Trusts Face Review Over Patient Safety Concerns
It has been reported that 14 NHS trusts are to have their maternity services examined under the government’s ongoing review of maternity care in England.
The review is chaired by Baroness Amos, who has acknowledged that it is “entirely unacceptable” that such an investigation is needed, despite previous inquiries into maternity care failings.
This “rapid review” will look at:
- Why lessons from past investigations were not acted upon
- Why lasting improvements in maternity services were not achieved
- How the NHS can deliver a world-class maternity service with a focus on patient care, safety, and experience
Previous Concerns in NHS Maternity Care
Earlier investigations into NHS maternity care highlighted systemic problems, including:
- Black and Asian families experiencing worse outcomes
- Women reporting that they were not listened to or their preferences ignored
- Poor leadership at trust level
- Failure to learn from clinical safety incidents
- Toxic workplace cultures
Baroness Amos said she hopes that families affected by unsafe maternity care will finally “get the justice that they want and that they deserve”.
Originally due in December 2025, the review has now been extended to spring 2026. Interim findings are expected in December 2025.
NHS Trusts Under Investigation
The following trusts have been chosen for review due to systemic failings in maternity care:
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals
- University Hospitals of Leicester
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals
- Sandwell and West Birmingham
- Gloucestershire Hospitals
- Yeovil District Hospital
- Oxford University Hospital
- University Hospitals Sussex
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals
- Queen Elizabeth, Kings Lynn
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay
- East Kent Hospitals
- Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital
The Department of Health explained that these trusts were selected based on data analysis, family experiences, and to ensure a geographical and demographic mix across England.
Criticism and Concerns About the Review
While many families and campaigners welcome the review, critics remain concerned.
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has warned that focusing on specific trusts could cause “real anxiety” among families and staff.
- The Maternity Safety Alliance, a group of families affected by unsafe maternity care, has accused the government of breaking promises about how the investigation would be run.
- The group also raised concerns that the review will not examine the role of regulators such as the Care Quality Commission or NHS Resolution.
The Alliance continues to campaign for a statutory public inquiry into NHS maternity services.
For more details, see the original report on BBC News.
“14 NHS trusts to be investigated over ‘failures’
How Our Team Can Help Families Affected by Maternity Negligence
At Phoenix Legal Solicitors, we represent families who have been affected by poor maternity care at the trusts listed above, as well as others across England and Wales.
We regularly act in cases involving:
- Shoulder dystocia
- Infant brain injuries
- Stillbirth and neonatal death
- Maternal injuries
If you or a loved one has been affected by substandard maternity care, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.
Contact our specialist maternity negligence solicitors today for a free, confidential consultation. We handle cases on a No Win, No Fee basis.
0151 306 3694 Submit an online enquiry