Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust has been in the media recently over the maternity scandals and the condition of care and treatment provided for over a period of two decades.
The findings of the independent review are tragic and terrible, and we are left questioning how the scandal had been allowed to go on for so long. There can only ever be the hope that the conclusion of the investigations brings some form of closure to those affected, but nothing can change what has already been done. Some victims have been left with lifelong and permanent, serious injuries, and others did not survive as a result of negligence and inadequate care.
Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust in the news
It has been labelled as the worst maternity scandal in the history of the UK. Investigations and reports have been looking into the nature of the care provided over a period of two decades.
The results are tragic and awful.
According to deeply upsetting reports, at least 201 infants might have lived were it not for the state of the care that they received. Some tragically died stillborn, and others passed away shortly after birth, and there were 9 mothers who did not survive but could have as well. In addition, some 94 infants reportedly suffered avoidable injuries that have led to long-term and lifelong problems, such as brain damage.
It is hard to ever imagine what kind of closure can come from events such as these. Apologies are never enough, and although the findings have been welcomed by families affected, there is nothing that can be done for the lives lost.
In some cases, it is reported that the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust allegedly blamed mothers for some of the infant deaths. It has also been reported that some of the families were also told similar things. This has to be a turning point to ensure that there will never again be a repeat of this kind of scandal and on this kind of scale.
Findings in the reports
The independent investigations and reports into the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust have brought to light a litany of failure. Some 1,500 cases were examined between 2000 and 2019, and not only were mistakes and errors found, but also a failure to learn from what had already happened.
Even the culture at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust has been criticised, with the concerns of those affected reportedly being ignored, with some mothers blamed over deaths as we mentioned above. With failures in respect of care, treatment, monitoring, and in management all unearthed, it seems quite clear that the lack of change and challenge of what had been going on is indicative of a very damaged environment.
Hopes for a better future
There can only be hope for a better future to avoid this kind of scandal happening again. It is always hard to report on these kinds of events and we are used to helping people affected by serious medical issues, but nothing compares to the suffering of those affected. Changes have been made since the scandal came to light, and apologies have been issued but, as we all know, the damage has already been done.
No amount of apologies, acceptances and investigations can ever undo what has been done, and the families are forced to live with the consequences for life.