Why are families concerned about the Leeds maternity care inquiry?

Families are concerned about the significant delay in appointing a chair for the inquiry and the potential use of an unrefined methodology, leading to a loss of faith in the process.

Who is responsible for the Leeds maternity care inquiry?

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the inquiry, and families are urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene due to concerns about its handling by the Department of Health.

What is the scope of the Leeds maternity care inquiry?

The inquiry is investigating the deaths of at least 56 babies over the past five years at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with concerns that these deaths may have been preventable.

Home / Health / Health Secretary Pledges Truth in Leeds Maternity Probe

Health Secretary Pledges Truth in Leeds Maternity Probe

23 Feb

•

Summary

Leeds maternity inquiry chair remains unappointed after five months.
Families express distrust in Health Secretary's handling of the inquiry.
The inquiry concerns at least 56 potentially preventable baby deaths.

Health Secretary Pledges Truth in Leeds Maternity Probe

A promised inquiry into Leeds maternity care faces significant challenges as bereaved families express a loss of trust. Despite Health Secretary Wes Streeting announcing the investigation in October following revelations of at least 56 potentially preventable baby deaths over five years, no chair has yet been appointed.

Families have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene, with five MPs sending a letter to Downing Street stating a loss of faith in the Health Secretary's management. They specifically recommended senior midwife Donna Ockenden, who is leading a similar inquiry in Nottingham, to chair the Leeds review. Ockenden has indicated her readiness to begin immediately if requested.