Leeds couple calling for national maternity inquiry after losing their baby just 27 minutes after she was born
An inquest ruled Aliona died after neglect by midwives at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) three years ago
Last updated 4th Dec 2023
A couple from Leeds are calling for an overhaul of maternity care, after their baby died 27 minutes after she was born.
A coroner ruled that the death was due to 'neglect' by midwives at the LGI, three years ago.
Fiona and Dan Winser-Ramm are backing calls for a national inquiry into maternity care, along side the Maternity Safety Alliance.
Fiona told us she thought this was rare, when it happened to her and her husband, but soon learnt it wasn't: "We've met numerous families in Leeds, who are in the same position as us, who's babies are dead, who should not be, who were perfectly healthy and are only dead as a result of hospital failings.
"It's almost become weirdly normalised I think, within medical communities, and it's because accepted that this thing happens. Which shows the extent of the failings, if somebody thinks a health child dying, is normal and just part of a working practice, something is seriously wrong in our society".
Dan told us: "Baby death isn't just about the death of the child itself, this destroys families, this is the hopes of parents, of grandparents".
Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“This is incredibly tragic. I’m sorry that the care provided was not at the standard we would expect and that we strive to deliver for our families.
“We accept the coroner’s findings from the inquest earlier this year. An independent report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch in 2020 identified seven recommendations, which have all been put in place. Learning points include changes to how we assess and review mums-to-be, the process for escalating concerns, and ensuring consistency of care at all times.”
A month on since the Maternity Safety Alliance called for the inquiry, the government haven't responded to the group. However, they told us they've spent hundreds of millions of pounds on boosting maternity staff and improving neonatal services.