By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
The deaths of nine newborn babies has been blasted as “scandalous” amid fears mothers would be “petrified” of giving birth in Gloucestershire.
There were 44 neonatal deaths between 2020 and 2023 and seven maternal deaths between 2017 and 2023, according to a report presented at Shire Hall today (October 14).
Two external reviews were commissioned to identify what Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust could learn from these deaths.
The reviews made a number of recommendations and highlighted some failings in care, including nine neonatal cases where there were missed opportunities that could have potentially changed the outcome.
Hospital bosses say they are committed to working closely with families and staff to listen, understand and ensure services are safe and compassionate for every patient cared for.
And they spoke at today’s health overview and scrutiny committee of the improvements they are introducing to improve maternity services.
But Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Hempsted and Westgate) asked what assurances they could give to mothers who are just about to go into labour that their experience would be satisfactory and not one which would be damaging to themselves or the child.
“Quite frankly, I think this is just scandalous,” she said.
“There’s no words to describe it. I had my daughter 20 years ago and if I was a pregnant mother now going to give birth I would be absolutely petrified.
“It’s quite easy for one of us to say, oh let’s reopen the Aveta unit.
“But quite frankly isn’t that the reason why it is not being opened?
“Is it because it would be unsafe to open it and therefore I wouldn’t want to see it open if it wasn’t being staffed correctly?”
Chief executive Kevin McNamara said it was a very powerful question they have thought long and hard about.
“We know that sort of fear might drive choices that may not be helpful to mums,” he said.
“You’ve seen that in other parts of the country where there have been some very big maternity scandals and how mums have chosen a different course of action.
“That is a real challenge for those communities. I don’t underestimate the worry when these sorts of things are published.”
He said their job is to focus on “not downplaying the issues” but explain what they are doing to improve the situation.
He highlighted improvements such as staff recruitment, better oversight and a safer culture in terms of speaking up and raising concerns.
“The vast majority of women who come through the doors of our hospital have no issue,” he said.
“They have a good, safe experience.”
Councillor Ian Yates (LD, Churchdown Brookfield with Hucclecote) asked if maternity services as a whole are improving.
Matt Holdaway, quality and chief nurse director, said: ”Yes, I think they are improving.
“I think we have evidence that they are improving.
“Staffing is improving, our approach to safety is different, we have a more safety focussed leadership team.
“When you look at all of the key indicators around safety for maternity services are better than they have been.”
He said the trust is committed to making improvements to maternity services central to their focus.