According to new data from NHS resolution, cases of maternity negligence during the last decade has left more than 1,200 children permanently brain-damaged and cost more than £4 billion in compensation.
NHS Resolution who handles compensation claims on behalf of the NHS also revealed that the number of yearly maternity claims increased significantly during that period from 391 in 2009 to 765 in 2019/20.
The figures highlight the consequences of errors in maternity safety, with 1,226 children left with cerebral palsy due to negligence during their birth when children are starved of oxygen. The data also includes more than 1,000 deaths and 386 cases of the loss of a baby, because of errors.
According to the Care Quality Commission, there are more than 1,000 serious incidents in maternity units every year, with almost 40 per cent of maternity units needing to improve on safety.
In total there were 6,914 successful claims related to poor maternity care, costing more than £4 billion in compensation. Including a single case in 2019, which cost the NHS £37 million after a child was left disabled following errors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
On top of cerebral palsy cases, this also included 1,070 stillborn babies and 875 incidents where mothers suffered physical or psychological injuries.
There were a variety of reasons behind these instances of negligence, including 691 cases where maternity staff failed to act on abnormal heart rates and 1,295 cases where staff failed to monitor labour properly.
NHS England last month acknowledged more investment was needed, announcing nearly £100 million for maternity safety from this April with money for 1,000 extra midwives, 80 more consultants and a dedicated maternity training fund.
At Knightsbridge Solicitors, we are passionate about helping our clients to get the compensation they deserve following negligent medical treatment.
So, if you think you have suffered due to medical negligence. Please contact a member of our expert team, led by Sadaf Tariq, on 0115 824 1700 for free advice about making a claim.