Exclusive: NHS Trust ordered to make immediate changes after maternity scandal

[@nadyushka921]

In 2010 I was on a labour ward overnight as I was induced. And the Queen's hospital in Romford, Essex, had one midwife to support 7 women in labour overnight. One midwife for 7 women giving birth!!! I literally gave birth by myself. My baby crowned and the midwife that came on the morning shift was shocked and I told her that this baby is coming out wither she is her or not. In 2014 in Newham hospital , East London, my first night on maternity ward, there was one midwife and one health care assistant to care for 44 mothers and their new born, which 5 of those were c-sections. I waited for 4 hrs that night for the exhausted midwife to remove cannula from my arm as they didn't remove it on the labour ward. She was absolutely exhausted the above numbers I got it from her as I asked her and gave her tea from my flask and biscuits I had. That midwife and the HCA were absolute heroes that night. It is the management of the hospital that should be prosecuted for horrendous under staffing as they are the ones that will tell the lead nurses the there is no budget for bank or agency staff. Allowing understaffing, unsafe practices and increased risk to mothers and babies.

[@perseus431]

I experienced a grievous medical incident 12 years ago which ruined my life. Everyone lied to cover for the doctor and nurse who did it and i didnt get an ounce of justice. We have a massive problem with medical omerta in the NHS. Whether it be due to in-group loyalty or fear of being bullied by other staff, people in the NHS wont admit when another staff member has done something which caused harm.

[@citizen-27]

I was in a similar situation I was nearly going to die because of the doctors mistake..

[@kiwichickie1975]

I worked for the NHS and raised concerns and got bullied out, suspended on full pay for 11.5 months till I resigned

[@custossecretus5737]

I certainly know that feeling. It is nothing short of disgusting how some departments are run like private fiefdoms. Management spout freedom to speak up FTSU, which has the same letters in the acronym STFU. Some staff can do no wrong and contribute to multiple staff leaving through their bullying, the click they surround themselves with makes the atmosphere toxic for those not in their click and management just pander to them whilst they swing the lead. Cultures of cronyism and sycophantism are allowed to develop and the unprofessional behaviour condoned, facilitated and rewarded.

[@custossecretus5737]

I am certainly trying. The first step is to remove the shroud and expose this culture, so everyone knows that everyone knows. The irony being this culture is already common knowledge, but by management isolating staff, they become mute. This should encourage others to start speaking out “this is happening to me.” From there we can effect change in the now exposed and shamed management.

[@Mosaic_Crone]

There's currently an audio issue with this video. We can hear her intro but her actual report is silent

[@hyacinthgrows]

Yeah the same thing happened with me

[@mothiurNCL]

They should've checked audio quality. Probably the audio editor is on holiday.

[@lewismacdonald1516]

Where is the public outcry about this hideous and sickening scandal. Absolutely chilling to the bone, these supposed ‘heroes’ lied for years and years and even refused to cooperate with this review because they didn’t want to risk their reputation. Those poor families who were affected.

[@jKDC1987]

I’m so sorry to all those parents that have had to go through the greatest pain for no reason, neglect is murder in my eyes. Not blaming the front line staff but someone is to blame. Someone needs to be held accountable.

[@upcycleelectra8311]

OBVIOUSLY , FRONTLINE STAFF & THE HOSPITALS TRUST ARE TO BLAME.. THIS GOES WELL BEYOND BASIC MEDICAL NEGLECT & GROSS MISCONDUCT !! ITS SYSTEMATIC MAN SLAUGHTER & COVER UP CONSPIRACY LASTING OVER TWO DECADES !! WHICH REQUIRES A FULL & HISTORIC POLICE INVESTIGATION.

[@mypointofview1111]

I think the public needs to stand up and strongly voice our concerns about these failures to government, not wait until we are ill and subjected to this mismanagement. Successive governments have underfunded the NHS deliberately all the while allowing private companies to move in & carve up lucrative parts of it. If you want to have good quality healthcare you need to stand up now and fight for it.

[@cmwau]

My baby died after 26 hours, 23 years ago, due to being starved of oxygen during my labour, having had my emergency CS cancelled and baby’s heart dropping drastically, so that the obstetrician could do an elective CS that could have waited. When I complained I was ignored and lied to by the hospital at which I also worked as a ward sister, so went to the NHS Ombudsman, who upheld my concerns ..... Sadly I fear if a forensic analysis of other units was undertaken ... literally thousands of such cases would be found nationwide .... our poor forgotten babies

[@user-of9bx1uk3u]

I left Midwifery because of poor management. The midwives on the shop floor work really hard and Rey their best but management is not always supportive, fair and act alignment of what is best for our mothers and babies. Otherwise They’d employ the right amount of staff and create an open culture .

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

This isn’t just maternity. We’ve had so many cases have worse outcomes because there aren’t enough theatre spaces or theatre staff in a lot if hospitals, it has been particularly bad since covid.

[@murderersofmum3897]

Ten years ago we exposed the Involuntary Euthanasia Programme called The Liverpool Care Pathway !! Where have all the stories of torture and murder gone ??? We live in a free country ! Wake up.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

@@murderersofmum3897 I don’t know what you mean?

[@Serenity7250]

I had to have an emergency procedure in a store room instead of a theatre on the 8th March. Its an absolute state inside especially if you don't have a clue about what's going on and can't advocate for yourself.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

@@Serenity7250 it’s a joke. And honestly as someone about to graduate medical school we aren’t a generation that is sticking around in this country to watch it crumble. If the government doesn’t make changes there will be NOBODY left in the NHS.

[@murderersofmum3897]

@@Serenity7250 35 years ago I was given PENECILLIN which I and the NHS did not know that I was allergic to. I sufferred for months constantly being told everything OK. So I went private and from a simple urine test I was near total kidney failure and introduced to a dialysis machine. I sought independent treatment and made a recovery to 80% function. 10 years ago the NHS knowingly gave my mother PENECILLIN knowing she was allergic to make her ill and us unknowingly refer to hospital just 1 week after secretly being diagnosed in her own house looking after herself, cooking, cleaning and living independently with Alzheimers. This was called the Liverpool Care Pathway the only reason you will never hear our story of torture, beatings and threats to our lives from Merseycare NHS is Kier Starmer issued a Government Super Injunction. They think they are in control and got away with MURDER. They are wrong as my time for revenge approaches.

[@hayley8907]

It's not just Shrewsburry. My best friend in Kent told me about her childbirth that was over 30 hours long and eventually led to a C-section. The way the nurses treated her a dismissed her was horrendous. The worst part was when her husband overheard the surgeons outside, preparing for her surgery, discussing who's life was more important: the mother's or the baby's and one surgeon said "if I had to choose I would absolutely let the mother go to save the child". Of course her husband saw red and went ballistic. Thankfully, a nurse who also overheard the discussion and, in my friends words, "was actually a nice one that did help me feel better" stepped in to help calm everyone down and did scold the surgeons. She was contacted by the maternity manager and asked if she wanted to go ahead and file a complaint. I told her she should've and should've pressed charges but she said she was so exhausted by the whole ordeal and just thankful to have a healthy baby girl at the end of it all that she wanted to turn all her attention to.

[@denisepickering2119]

This is just one injustice. How can they play roulette with people's lives. This ladies husband what a horrific thing to hear. And to leave her for 30 hrs. Barbaric.

[@hayley8907]

@@denisepickering2119 yes and even in this day and age she still feels not having a "natural birth" is stigmatised!!

[@larusdelawarensis4656]

Where do these people study medicine? Sounds like middle China and not the UK

[@casteretpollux]

In so many accounts the mother told the medical staff there was a problem but weren't listened to. I feel so sorry for all these families. These investigations always seem to try to blame staff who are often hopelessly over busy - government decisions and policies on health have been going downhill for decades.

[@swatisingh8399]

Fire such people and send them to jail. To be honest I was recently at the early maternity unit and the condition was pathetic there was pregnant women in pain crying and waiting for 5 or 6 hours. Pathetic won't even cut it. Hate this NHS give me money back and let me choose where I want to spend it.

[@hythmshibl]

From 1:07 to 4:44 there’s no sound... please resolve this issue asap. Thank you so much.

[@calderarecords]

There is sound for me but being a sound engineer, I noticed that the voice over has been "inverted". Meaning that on Smart Phones or devices without stereo imaging, it causes artificialities. Use headphones. And hopefully the smartarse at C4 won't use micro-delays or inversion techniques in the future!

[@Dylanesque]

My heart goes out to the parents who tragically lost children through professional neglect or incompetence. It is cases such as this that makes me deeply concerned for the future of the NHS. Will it serve as an indication to justify its privatisation?

[@mypointofview1111]

Sadly yes. Unfortunately you won't get better care if the NHS is privatised. Your medical care will be subject to whatever insurance companies are willing to pay for or not. If you have long term illness such as angina, diabetes or anything that needs constant medication it'll be restricted or stopped after the insurers decide you no longer qualify. Is that the kind of medical care you want? If not badger your MP

[@custossecretus5737]

Poor management begets poor management and poor staff. Had management developed a culture of openness and acted to ensure changes were made then this would of been a one off incident and many more lives would of been saved. Unfortunately management in many NHS hospitals have developed a culture of cronyism and sycophantism, with bad managers protecting each other and departments turning into private fiefdoms. Staff are shot down upon raising concerns whilst management make it look like they are supporting the duty of candour, decent staff raising concerns are then punished, which only encourages bad staff to stay silent. With 20 years of service fighting poor cultures like this alone, I would say this is systemic in the NHS and should be of GREAT concern to the public.

[@abrahamdecruz5128]

Very sad indeed. They will just say with a stiff upper lip that your children were "unfortunate' and get back to serving the rest. If this is the way the NHS is generally going it's becoming rather tragic.

[@murderersofmum3897]

WOW your contempt for life I find so disturbing.

[@SevCaswell]

@@murderersofmum3897 it is not his contempt, but the comtempt of the management at NHS hospitals.

[@murderersofmum3897]

@@SevCaswell This was done by DrChatfield, DrDuffy, Nurse Pauline Robertson, Nurse Helen Atkinson with Merseycare NHS and a Super Injunction from Kier Starmer who was DPP at the time. 35 years ago I was given PENECILLIN which I and the NHS did not know that I was allergic to. I sufferred for months constantly being told everything OK. So I went private and from a simple urine test I was near total kidney failure and introduced to a dialysis machine. I sought independent treatment and made a recovery to 80% function. 10 years ago the NHS knowingly gave my mother PENECILLIN knowing she was allergic to make her ill and us unknowingly refer to hospital just 1 week after secretly being diagnosed in her own house looking after herself, cooking, cleaning and living independently with Alzheimers. This was called the Liverpool Care Pathway the only reason you will never hear our story of torture, beatings and threats to our lives from Merseycare NHS is Kier Starmer issued a Government Super Injunction. They think they are in control and got away with MURDER. They are wrong as my time for revenge approaches.

[@tasha9565]

The obsession the NHS has with keeping c section rates down has caused this, its all about money not safety. Why if you go private and have an elected there’s better outcomes?

[@SevCaswell]

The NHS also has to deal with mothers living in poverty, and private healthcare does not. Poverty is one of the major factors that alters health outcomes across the board.

[@Onajourney519]

Yes but they can also over subscribe c section when it can be avoided

[@mypointofview1111]

No you don't get better care. Very often it's worse because post surgery care is minimal and there are no junior doctors to keep monitoring while the consultant moves onto the next patient

[@andreia.salsinha]

This has honestly brought me to tears! To think that something like this could have happened to my boy, and I hear these stories over and over every couple of years about some "scandal" on maternity wards and hospitals, I dread to think if it had happened in our maternity. How are these things happening in 2022 England? I feels like the damn 60's in this country sometimes.

[@mf4068]

Poor poor families. I had lots of problems with Brighton maternity care in August 2014. Was completely neglected, midwife cared more about if I established breastfeeding than if I was well. I was very sick.

[@ylpea5170]

Why does this keep happening in the UK? Stafford, Gosport, now this - and wasn‘t there also a scandal about Bristol Royal Infirmary?

[@Serenity7250]

Its not just maternity, its systemic failures in ALL areas. Where is the money going?? Because its NOT going into the NHS. Its literally BARE BONES at this point.

[@vanessac1721]

It's going to fancy managers and consultants who will ensure the NHS is completely politically correct but utterly ineffective.

[@marybrett3991]

Same with me with North Manchester General Hospital and Acute Penine Hospital Trust. I complained and they didn't even respond to any of the points I made and also said I didn't make any points. Then went to The Omsbudman and he said I took too long to complain for him to investigate because I sought support from AIMS to make the complaint!

[@Chaseniceness]

When I sent a letter of complaint the reply was What will you want us to do?

[@reamoinmcdonachadh9519]

Same, no sound as well on All4

[@crazychick6666]

Absolutely heartbreaking

[@guff9567]

What!? Anyone who goes to the government, just to fabricate a baby, is a loser to start with.

[@ziaglos]

This is ridiculous!! 🤬 Why there is no sound????? 🤦‍♂️

[@murderersofmum3897]

In 3 months it will disappear !!! Try finding the videos against The Liverpool Care Pathway including the murder of Helen Sheila Cowley.

[@wendyarchergym]

The continue struggle between Midwifes and Obstetricians to be the leaders in women's care, lead to these situations. When a complaint is received in a hospital, it is sent to the department concerned and they are asked to answer, all departments are supposed to have systems which review outcomes, but the medical profession have been reluctant in some areas. As a past NHS manager I once wrote in good faith to inform a CEO about the breaching of 4 hour waits in A&E, he wrote back that I was mistaken. Therefore I presumed the department had lied in their reply to him. The lack of the Medical Director to be involved in the complaints to spot problems and take action is critical, although even at this level Medics are reluctant to challenge or discipline their colleagues.

[@Serenity7250]

I'm almost certain a Dr I saw in A and E stank of alcohol. Thinking back on it he probably was drunk, everyone can smell it on him and nobody could do anything. Who would accuse an A and E doctor of intoxication? He was even wearing a mask but it was so potent that it came straight through when he spoke. If he hurts people due to being intoxicated I doubt anything will be done as him just showing up to work looks better than the health of innocent patients. As a recovered alcoholic, I know the signs. It's so horrible, people are being traumatised daily in these places yet nobody cares until its them who gets sick and gets to see the mess on the inside of the hospitals. Zero communication, its the porters who are left to calm patients and explain what's going on. Unfortunate situation all round.

[@wendyarchergym]

@@Serenity7250 I know how difficult it is to raise a concern, one has the worry, being labelled a trouble maker. If you feel able to raise this matter with the Trust, you can do it anonymously or through the PALs service, but I understand if you don't feel able. As a ward sister I had to stop a doctor, he smelled of drink from working on the ward, he assured me it was due to a heavy night, I told he to sort himself out or I would report him. He did, which was lucky

[@Norfolk212]

This is sickening.

[@babymulla1441]

Everyone who participated in the act of negligence while being in the position of care needs to named, sacked and taken to court.

[@rinainlondon8]

I’m so sorry for the families

[@yvonneasare418]

Staff shortage is pandemic across entire nhs. Junior staff are promoted over experienced colleagues and morale is extremely low. All Trusts can relate to outcomes of the report. Staff and their families are also breaking. Not allowed work - home balance most midwives are leaving the profession due to incivility in the workplace including bullying in the workplace and anxieties around covid . I really feel sorry for the parents and pray for them to heal. The youth should be encouraged to take up university places for midwifery courses on social media. High school should have clubs promoting roles in the health profession.

[@wendyjones3953]

It could be that most of this problem may have been caused by women being left in labour too long when they should have had a C-Section a lot earlier. That seemed to be a problem when I had my own child 25 years ago. Plenty of staff in those days. My friends and I were all left a long time but thankfully we came away with healthy but exhausted babies.

[@adelefarmer629]

Can you please fix the audio as her testimony is silent. We need to see the full report!!

[@brigittahoffmann9283]

It is so sad and there is a real necessity for as many doctors, nurses and personnel as in fact needed. There is no way such situations and the need for more personnel to be complimented by any kind of managerial ideas or numbers...the need for doctors and nurses is real and a must. So sad to hear all these tragedies,

[@powertothebritons3877]

My Son was born in Royal Shrewsbury, it’s the most depressing, wretched, uncaring, hospital I’ve ever been in. Nobody came for ages while my yet to be born Son was flatlining on the monitor. They didn’t seem to care.

[@jamescorneliustaylor6997]

It's awful that these things are happening, and largely because of a massive underfunding of the nhs, where one staff does the work of two. The government is publicising everything which goes wrong in order to get people to buy private healthcare plans, but as with all private companies, once the nhs is removed, service standards will plummet to new lows and prices will skyrocket

[@denisepickering2119]

Horrific. Why why. Cover up at its highest. These poor family's. To loose loved ones then have to go through this. Justice must be done.

[@larusdelawarensis4656]

Shocking that in UK things like that are happening

[@fiqbal2632]

I lost my son because of midwife negligence cause still birth just before delivery we were sent home twice saying labour ward is fully booked and my son was over 40 weeks their mistake caused his heart beat to stop they are murderers and they still working there.

[@Callummullans]

They should have never been allowed to self govern back in 2013 it has caused nothing but a drop in standards since. Hospital infection break outs and soaring disability rates due to negligence are not normal for a “developed” country.

[@casteretpollux]

Exactly. Same as with Grenville - self regulation = no regulation.

[@user-nw7ln2lx1m]

Every human being has the same human rights. Human rights law means that public organisations like hospitals must treat you with dignity and respect. They must consult you about decisions and follow your choices. Every health professional who cares for you must respect your human rights in all the care they give.

[@therange4033]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. The hospitals hindsight should have kicked in years ago.

[@Mina-ti9nh]

@Channel4 You need to fix the audio. These people deserve to be heard and deserve justice.

[@kristinamasters1663]

The whole hospital needs looking into its failing in every department

[@nivujas]

I have been terribly abused & mocked at Queen’s Hospital Romford maternity hospital during my labour by a Jamaican Nurse. There after my new baby has gone through worst care procedures and process while he was admitted in the ICU for 7 days who lost his wait as the terrible & abusive staff was not feeding him properly and was not taking proper care of him. Thankful to god for saving my child’s life who has gotten heart attack after couple of hours of his birth. Gone through Pathetic medical services & still there is same system. The people who are doing this to others may they & their families or children go through the worst possible situations like this to understand the pain and suffering of other people.

[@llnny863]

Oh no can't hear it

[@NioneAlmie]

We need a reupload yall

[@melissahouse3488]

The sound went out during the interview with the couple!!! Frustrating and disappointing, I heard none of it, yet the sound recovered for the news reporter, what use is that when I missed the story!?!

[@upcycleelectra8311]

BOTH HOSPITALS SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY CLOSED SWIFTLY FOLLOWED BY A FULL POLICE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION !! THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A COVER UP CONSPIRACY ON SO MANY LEVELS.. LASTING FOR OVER TWO DECADES & COUNTING !!

[@murderersofmum3897]

Ten years ago Police came to my door and threatened my life !! What had I witnessed was not a mistake but MURDER. 4 months later my 18 months old car brakes failed and I crashed at 70mph. The servicing was signed by an apprentice at Swansway VW but the Receptionist pointed out a gentleman she told was their POLICE Technician who did the servicing on my car and it was him who carried out the cover up of my damaged brakes ???

[@faithlesshound5621]

@@murderersofmum3897 It sounds like you have a disturbing story to tell, but the way you said it made little sense.

[@filmrevenge]

The volume is cut out from 1:08 to 4:45, can someone fix this?

[@fiqbal2632]

Same things are happening in Slough Wexham hospital.

[@FoxyUSAx]

Who was the Chief Executive? Who were the senior clinical managers ? Like Stafford Hospital, will these ' managers' be given promotions now?? The Chief Executive at Stafford is now a 'Sir' .... 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@Alexandriaxxanime]

My sister was neglected by gp doctors, she had CRPS which could have been reversed if caught early but they told her the pain was all in her head. I still reckon the cause was due to negligence of the doctor injecting her foot in the wrong place, I reckon he hit a nerve because he was like "oops" after he injected her like he made a mistake. Also my Mum has been neglected by the NHS she has had a fracture on her toe for 9 months and was never told it was a fracture. She had x-rays 9 months ago and they told her that her foot is fine and shes been suffering in pain for 9 months and she had an mri recently which she waited forever for and another doctor looked at the xrays she had 9 months ago and was shocked to find it showed a fracture which was never reported. They should have put my Mums foot in a boot straight away but they didnt even do that, they just left her with no treatment. Its disgusting. The doctor now who discovered the negligence was so shocked and now my Mum could have damage bcos of negligence

[@mizzymiah8564]

Yes let's clap for the NHS

[@mattersthatmatter7990]

God that solicitor is broken too... can feel her ....

[@kiwichickie1975]

Where's Peter Herring in all this?

[@mothiurNCL]

Weekend has one operating theater running? So babies opt to be born in the weekdays? That's an amazing discovery in the medical field. We should author a research paper.

[@nettibetti1993]

Why have they muffled the sound

[@teddybearington3]

Sound

[@hayleydoherty9557]

no sound 😢

[@figgsy2045]

Yo where's the sound?

[@murderersofmum3897]

I must do what honour demands

[@TomNook.]

what a cute family, wish the best for them!

[@dianamincher6479]

To stop the rot in the maternity ward fire the regulators, the midwives, the obstetricians and the managers and the Trust Head. No compensations payouts!

[@leafyful]

And restaff them with who? There’s a massive shortage of midwives. It’s an impossible situation because the trust can’t afford to lose staff. Even though the actions of some staff have lead to death and harm. It’s truly awful.

[@melluques8475]

What about the complications on patients vulnerable patients during the pandemic where a big number of staff in the community was more interested in free McDonalds and Pizza than take care of their patients wound? Keep digging and you will find more for scandals on care companies that NHS give contract to take care of patients🥺 Nottingham City?🤔

[@nunu2423]

Same in Leicester

[@casteretpollux]

It's government Policies, cuts / staff cuts that's the problem not the staff.

[@ChubbyXUnicorn]

The staff were and are overworked and understaffed. They are in their field because they care and want to help us all. Only because they got some tiny perks during a pandemic doesn't mean it should be used against them! If anything people who work in that field deserve so much more, not to be pulled to pieces because the system has decayed and left them stressed and overworked,unable to see family and friends. Midwives and front line staff put their hearts and souls into the care they give people.....if you want to pull anyone to pieces I'd start alot higher up.

[@dwsg1990]

NHS has been heading down toilet for years

[@roseogrady8785]

Sadly.. whistle blowers have a hard time ... One Surgeon had to flee to Australia!!. Seems to me that Woman are having a hard time in this age all around in certain areas.!!!!!

[@dp0004]

Nature is not up for review. If you pay people the keep you alive they have the responsibility? Grief can be inordinately powerful. Third stage grief, who do you blame?

[@jacobdonnarhiantalleyanput8186]

Plankton.

[@samshep70]

Tories and Rupert Murdoch

[@marybrett3991]

Oh it was okay for the trust to delay responding though. In the bible it says innocent blood cries out to God for vengeance. Those not even apologetuc evil doers in the NHS will not prosper.

[@lisaurbano3204]

78hv