Baby loss can be an incredibly isolating experience. This week offers a space for reflection and remembrance, and helps bring people together to share stories, offer support, and advocate for better care.
Ways to get involved
There are many ways to participate in Baby Loss Awareness Week, whether you’ve been personally affected or simply want to show your support:
- wear pink and blue ribbons to show solidarity
- share your story or read others’ experiences to help break the silence
- join the global Wave of Light on 15 October at 7pm by lighting a candle in memory of all babies who have died too soon
The reality of maternity care in the Midlands
In recent years, maternity care in the UK has come under intense scrutiny. Investigations have revealed serious failings in several NHS Trusts, including those in our region.
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged they “could and should have done better” following a review into baby losses
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) is currently undergoing the largest maternity investigation in NHS history, the Ockenden Maternity Review, with our team currently representing some of the families affected
- In February 2025, NUH was prosecuted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and pleaded guilty to six charges of failing to provide safe care and treatment to three mothers and their babies, resulting in the tragic deaths of all three babies
These cases highlight the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and improved care for families.
How we can support you
Our Serious Injury and Clinical Negligence team are deeply committed to supporting families affected by baby loss, especially when medical negligence may have played a role. Based in the Midlands, we are familiar with the local NHS Trusts and have experience navigating complex and sensitive claims.
Ranked in the Legal 500, the team offers compassionate, confidential advice and representation.
As a Senior Associate and specialist in the Clinical Negligence team, I understand the devastation that losing a baby – at whatever gestation or age – can have on a family. I know that from both personal experience and a professional capacity. Where the care provided to those families is wholly inadequate, they absolutely deserve answers and closure to help them grieve and process one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Additional support and resources
Alongside our specialist legal advice, we can also signpost you and your family to tailored local and national charitable support.
If you or a loved one has been affected by baby loss, please reach out to any of the following national charities for specialist support:
Sands – Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity
Sources
BBC Article – Hospital Trust ‘deeply sorry’ over baby deaths: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1wnjr0d97qo
NUH Maternity Investigation:
https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/independent-review-into-maternity-services-at-the-trust/
https://www.ockendenmaternityreview.org.uk/
NUH prosecution:
If you have concerns about the care you or a loved one received and believe it may have contributed to the loss of a baby, please don’t hesitate to contact our Medical Negligence team. We offer free initial confidential advice and are here to listen, support, and guide you. Call us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
