More families have come forward to speak to the inquiry into the recently discovered Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal.
There are families who have been battling for justice for years that are now a part of hundreds of families speaking to the inquiry. Others who had no idea something wrong had even happened have had their eyes opened since news of the scandal hit the headlines and are also coming forward.
The leaked report from November will hopefully allow more victims and families to receive the justice and closure they need from the 40-year scandal. Special measures must be put in place to also ensure that there’s never a repeat of this scandal ever again.
Families come forward over Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal
It’s understood that more than 800 families have now come forward in the wake of the leaked report into the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal that came to light last month.
It’s understood that some families of infants who have been left with permanent injuries or who lost their lives may have had no idea that they have been caught up in the scandal until it came to light in the news. The reporting of the problems at the maternity units will no doubt come as a shock, but it’s important that people are made aware that their experience may need to be examined or examined.
Unfortunately, some may face serious difficulties when being able to establish if negligence has taken place. We can tell you from years of experience that record keeping when there are incidents like this taking place isn’t always reliable. Key evidence is usually found within records, and if such records are missing or are inaccurate, it may take a long time to reach conclusions.
Hundreds of potential negligence cases
The leaked report into the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal has outlined an enormous and worrying number of potentially avoidable incidents.
The inquiry had already flagged around 600 case where potential medical negligence has taken place, leading to dozens of infant deaths and permanent brain injuries. We may never know the true extent of how many people this scandal has affected, which is an additional concern in itself.
There may be cases of negligence that took place during the birthing process, as well as negligent care in general. The report is also understood to have criticised the attitudes of staff at units which may have contributed toward a culture of a “distinct lack of kindness and respect”.
Never again
The focus of the inquiry into the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal must ensure two things:
- That families and victims get some form of justice and closure for what has happened to them; and
- That this never happens again.
We’re sure that the inquiry will be focusing on these vital elements. The road ahead may still be long and arduous for all of those involved, and we can only hope that conclusions can be reached as soon as possible.
