Complete the form below to ask us a question or make an enquiry. We’ll get back to you via phone or email as soon as possible.

Insights

NHS Trust admits failure over death of baby in maternity case

Posted on 20th April 2021 in Medical Negligence

Posted by

Endurance Arthur

Partner and Solicitor
NHS Trust admits failure over death of baby in maternity case

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has admitted failing to provide safe care and treatment for seven-day-old Harry Richford, who died in 2017, just seven days after an emergency delivery.

The prosecution by the Care Quality Commission followed an inquest in 2020, which found Harry's death was wholly avoidable and contributed to by neglect, with more than a dozen areas of concern in the care of Harry and his mother.

Lawyers for the East Kent Hospitals Trust pleaded guilty to the charge at Folkestone Magistrates Court, with the trust stating it had made "significant changes" and would "do everything we can to learn from this tragedy".

An independent review of maternity services at the trust is ongoing after a series of failings led to the deaths of up to 15 babies.

 

Partner and Solicitor, Endurance Arthur, co-head of our dedicated Medical Negligence team said “This was a landmark prosecution but at its heart was the tragic and avoidable loss of baby Harry Richford’s life at East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2017.”

“Harry’s grieving parents’ concerns about the standard of care he and his mother Sarah received were swept under carpet and they had to persist in a fight to get to the truth of the Trust’s failings. The Trust was more concerned about its reputation than improving standards of care but, as a result of the brave parents battle, neonatal deaths at the Trust have fallen by 55% since 2020 and still births have fallen by 20%.”

“The case not only demonstrates the importance of questioning standards of care when healthcare failings are suspected after tragic loss or severe injury occurs, it also sadly illustrates that a hospital Trust’s initial response to complaints about care may need further scrutiny.”

Sarah Richford, Harry’s mum said after the Trust admitted its guilt, “We've got some level of justice that means that although Harry's life was short, hopefully it's made a difference and that other babies won't die.”

 

If you or your family have suffered because of medical negligence, we’ll help you to rebuild your life for the future. Contact us today and let us help you.

Contact our legal experts


 

Paper plane

 

Get the latest news straight from our legal experts.

Subscribe to our newsletter to recieve current, dedicated, suppport and guidance from our solicitors straight to your inbox, wherever you are.

Company & Industry

Related Insights

Insights

Recent MRI scan means thousands will no longer need avoidable surgical biopsies

Posted on 17th November 2023 in Medical Negligence

It is estimated that 1 in 8 UK men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, Movember’s month long campaign for awareness surrounding the condition remains an important mission.

Posted by

Helena Campbell

Associate & Chartered Legal Executive
Insights

Poor safety standards in english maternity units

Posted on 17th November 2023 in Medical Negligence

We follow the latest findings from England’s healthcare regulator who have reported that the declining safety levels in maternity units across the country continue to be cause for concern. Recent analysis by the BBC of Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports revealed that two thirds of maternity care units are not safe enough.

Posted by

Clair Hemming

Partner and Solicitor