Sarah Andrews, a mother, asserts that they are not the only victims of the organization’s shortcomings. 900 families and 400 staff members have contacted the trust’s maternity care investigation.
An NHS trust was fined £800,000 for “a sequence of shortcomings and errors” that resulted in the death of a baby 23 minutes after her birth.
Wynter Andrews passed away on September 15, 2019, in the arms of her parents, Sarah and Gary Andrews, owing to a lack of oxygen to the brain, shortly after an emergency cesarean section at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham.
At a court hearing on Wednesday, the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust guilty to two counts of failing to give safe care and treatment resulting in suffering and loss.
In the meantime, it has been revealed that more than 900 families and more than 400 staff members have contacted the senior midwife Donna Ockenden, who is leading a comprehensive inquiry into maternity care across the trust, in response to concerns expressed by numerous families.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust fined £800,000
District Judge Grace Leong stated during sentencing on Friday at the city’s magistrates’ court. “Mrs. Andrews and her baby were put at risk by the list of mistakes. And such errors ultimately resulted in the death of Wynter and post-traumatic stress for Mrs. Andrews and Mr. Andrews.”
“Based on my evaluation, the amount of responsibility for the crimes committed against Wynter and Mrs. Andrews is high.”
Systems were in place, but so many procedures and practices lacked adherence to or implementation of guidelines.”
She stated that the total fine for both Wynter and Mrs. Andrews would have been £1.2 million. But was lowered to £800,000 due to the trust’s early guilty pleas.
Additionally, the judge stated that she was “acutely aware” that any fine would have to be paid using public funds that would have otherwise been used for patient care.
Mrs. Andrews stated outside the court, “These criminal proceedings are intended to serve as a punishment and deterrent.” No monetary punishment will ever compel Wynter to return.
“We applaud the judge and recognize the delicate balance that must be struck to impose this hefty fine. Which we believe sends a message to trust administrators that patient safety must be their top priority.”
Unfortunately, our family is not the only one affected by the trust’s failures.
We believe that this phrase applies not only to Wynter but also to all the babies who have died before and after her.
Mrs. Andrews has previously stated that the trust “failed me in the cruelest way” and has invited other moms who may have had similar experiences to participate in the Ockenden review.
“These were significant blunders that led to the worst potential consequence,” said trust CEO Anthony May. And we let them down at a period in their life that should have been joyful.”
He added, “While words will never be sufficient, I can assure our communities that staff across NUH are committed to providing high-quality care every day and that we are working diligently to make the necessary improvements, including engaging fully and openly with Donna Ockenden and her team on the ongoing independent review of our maternity services.”
Ms. Ockenden told, “I want to emphasize the great tragedy that has befallen this small family.”
They were forced to bury their baby daughter since they were unable to bring her home.
“She should currently be playing with her younger brother. She’s not. And nothing will ever alleviate their sorrow and misery.”
She stated that issues identified by her study will be communicated to the trust “in real time” to ensure that improvements were implemented without delay.
The complaint was filed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Following the most recent CQC inspection in May 2022, the maternity services at QMC were deemed unsatisfactory. And the facility was determined to require improvement.
In 2021, the trust received an overall rating of “improvement required” on its final assessment.
