Clinical Negligence Solicitors

Cheshire Police are investigating a number of baby deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and July 2016. The hospital trust contacted the Cheshire Police following a clinical review by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) that failed to find a “definitive explanation” for the rise in the number of baby deaths. The RCPCH review, conducted last November, reported “no single cause” of the increase in neonatal deaths, but did highlight “inadequate” staffing levels on the unit. Furthermore, the review identified gaps in medical and nursing staff rotas, incidents of poor decision-making and deficient senior cover. The review offered 24 recommendations for the hospital’s improvement, which the hospital have taken on board, after expressing “continuing concerns about the unexplained deaths.” A spokeswoman for the Countess of Chester said that the hospital had taken the clinical review as far as they could, so sought the help of the Cheshire Police “to rule out unnatural causes of death.” The Cheshire Police will be investigating the deaths of 15 babies, along with 6 non-fatal incidents between June 2015 and July 2016. Detective Chief Superintendent Nigel Wenham has commented that the investigation is at its early stages, meaning that police could not offer any further details. He said “We recognise that this investigation will have a significant impact on all of the families involved, staff and patients at the hospital and the public. Parents of the babies are being updated on the investigation and will be supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.” The news of this investigation follows an announcement made by Jeremy Hunt made last month regarding an investigation into a cluster of baby deaths at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. At least seven infant deaths at the trust were found to have been “avoidable” at coroners’ inquests or other enquiries. Divya Anand, Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Duncan Lewis states the following: “It is disappointing that there is another article relating to unexplained neonatal deaths especially after the recent news surrounding avoidable deaths at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. It is however, comforting to hear that these incidents are being investigated which will hopefully raise awareness and ensure any failures in care are not repeated. We would ask any families who are affected by the above to contact our specialist clinical negligence department for advice.” Divya Anand is a solicitor in the Clinical Negligence Department at Duncan Lewis. Divya is able to assist those who have suffered a serious and debilitating injury as a result of substandard care provided by a GP, doctor, or other medical staff. Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors The Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence team has significant experience acting in a vast array of claims including wrongful death claims, accident and emergency failures, GP negligence claims, misdiagnosed fractures and other medical conditions and wrongful death claims. They also act for children and adults who have suffered profound and permanent brain, spinal or neurological injuries and associated disabilities as a consequence of failings in medical care in both NHS and private hospitals. If you believe your doctor has made a mistake and wish to claim compensation or have any questions about treatment you have received, please do not hesitate to contact our team of specialist clinical negligence solicitors on 0333 772 0409.