The Chief Constable, Kate Meynell, confirmed that the Force intends to “work alongside the review but also ensure that they do not hinder its progress”.
Operation Perth
The police investigation, dubbed “Operation Perth”, is now one step closer to commencing with the advertising of roles within the Force to assist with the investigation. The investigative roles are anticipated to be for periods in excess of two years. With the investigation set to start in the Spring of 2024, it is clear the outcomes will take some considerable time to be revealed.
Independent Review being led by Donna Ockenden
It has been well reported that the independent review into Nottingham University Hospitals’ maternity services is set to be the largest review of maternity services in NHS history.
The review began in 2022 and is set to consider cases from 2012 through to 2025. The Trust will be providing the review team with information on cases in the following 5 categories:
- Term and intrapartum stillbirths
- Neonatal deaths from 24 weeks gestation that occur up to 28 days of life; the review team will also consider neonatal serious incident reports and neonatal never events
- Babies diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (Grade 2 & 3) and other significant hypoxic injury
- Maternal death up to 42 days post-partum
- Severe maternal harm to include cases such as: all unexpected admission to ITU requiring ventilation, major obstetric haemorrhage e.g. cases where blood loss exceeds 3.5L, peri-partum hysterectomy, and other major surgical procedures arising from the maternity episode, cases of eclampsia and clinically significant cases of pulmonary embolus requiring further treatment
Families should note that a police investigation can run concurrently alongside clinical negligence claims, and here at Rothera Bray we have the experience to support families not only with their claim but to assist with liaising with the police where necessary, and to signpost them to appropriate support both nationally and locally.
Our specialist Clinical Negligence team is experienced in investigating birth injury claims to both mother and baby together with experience in group action claims involving gynaecology and obstetric issues, including those which have run alongside police investigations. We are currently instructed by and supporting individuals who have been impacted as a result of the maternity review in Nottingham.
If you have concerns about the treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact our Serious Injury Team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
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.
Support available:
Those affected by clinical negligence can find additional support from the organisations listed below:
Baby loss and bereavement support:
https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support
https://www.sands.org.uk/support-you
Disabled children (any condition):
Hypoxia / Brain injury during labour/following birth:
https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/
Injuries to women from childbirth:
