New figures released by NHS Resolution in their Annual Report for 2016 – 2017, identifying dramatic increases in maternity brain injury claims, have prompted shocked responses across the media and campaign groups.
According to the NHS figures, the number of claims against the NHS for maternity brain injury rose from 188 in 2015-16 to 232 in 2016-17, a rise of over 23%. As the Daily Mail pointed out, this represents more than 4 children per week suffering brain injury during birth due to negligence by NHS staff. This is the greatest number of brain injury claims in one year since 2005 – 06 when 255 claims were made.
The Daily Telegraph reported the comments of Peter Walsh, chief executive of Action against Medical Accidents, that shortages of midwives and the closure of maternity units have increased risks during labour.
Links have also been made to the recently-abandoned campaign of encouraging natural births by the Royal College of Midwives, which was criticised in the inquiry following the deaths of 11 babies at Morecambe Nay NHS Trust.
The Daily Telegraph further reported the comments of Steve Webber, chairman of the Society of Clinical Injury Lawyers that the NHS is failing to learn lessons which could prevent tragedy.
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