The inspection was carried out as part of the CQC’s national maternity inspection programme and saw the rating for maternity services at both Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital downgraded from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’.
Some of the key concerns highlighted by the CQC across both hospitals were that:-
- The service did not always have enough staff to keep women and birthing people and their babies safe. Staffing levels did not always match the planned numbers, putting the safety of women and birthing people and babies at risk.
- Staff did not always assess and identify risks to women and birthing people and act on them and did not always keep good care records.
- Staff and leaders did not always identify and escalate relevant risks and issues, which meant women and birthing people were put at risk of receiving poor quality and unsafe care.
Following the inspection, the CQC issued a warning notice to focus the Hospital Trust’s attention on ‘rapidly making the necessary improvements to how they were managing each maternity service’ which the Trust has assured Leicester City’s Councillors it is taking seriously. Councillors were told at a recent meeting of Leicester City Council’s Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission that improvements have been made and the CQC has been invited back to review the service again.
Claire Cooper, specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Rothera Bray has commented “It is worrying to hear that the CQC have significant concerns about Leicester maternity services, but even more so on the back of the maternity investigation in Nottingham and the inadequate rating in Derby. As part of our role investigating negligent treatment, we see first hand the devastation to mothers and babies that understaffing, insufficient experience, and substandard care causes.
“Whilst we await to hear from the CQC as to what changes the Hospital Trust has implemented, it is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues facing maternity services across the country. Poor care can result in significant injuries to mother and baby, and sadly stillbirth or death following delivery.”
At Rothera Bray our specialist Clinical Negligence team is experienced in investigating birth injury claims to mother and baby. Rothera Bray subscribes as a member of AvMA’s member services.
If you have concerns about the treatment that you, or a loved one has received, please contact us our serious injury team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Support available:
We also offer support and signposting alongside our legal advice.
Links to some of the relevant support available are below:
Baby loss and bereavement support:
Disabled children (any condition)
Hypoxia during labour/following birth
Sources of information:
CQC Press Release:
LRI CQC Report: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RWEAA?referer=widget3
LGH CQC Report: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RWEAK?referer=widget3
Minutes of meeting from Leicester City Council:
https://cabinet.leicester.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1071&MId=12919&Ver=4
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers
