Streeting says he takes Leeds maternity care inquiry concerns 'extremely seriously'

"He announced the investigation into Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in October, after an investigation revealed that the deaths of at least 56 babies over the past five years may have been prevented. But nobody has been appointed to chair the inquiry, leading to some families urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene. Streeting is expected to meet some of families affected by the deaths on Monday afternoon."

"Ahead of the meeting on Monday, Streeting vowed to work with the families to rebuild confidence and ensure the inquiry would deliver "the truth they deserved". "Losing a baby is devastating beyond words, and you deserve not just answers, but a process you can trust," he said. "The strength and dignity these families have shown, while carrying unimaginable grief shows extraordinary courage. I am personally committed to ensuring this inquiry is thorough, independent, and puts families at its heart.""

"Bereaved families were concerned about the delay and the possibility of appointing a chair who used an "untested and unrefined methodology", the letter said. It urged Sir Keir to appoint senior midwife Donna Ockenden to chair the Leeds NHS Trust investigation. She is currently leading an inquiry into Nottingham maternity services, which is examining about 2,500 cases of failings. Ockenden has said she is "ready to chair the review into Leeds maternity services and can begin work immediately if asked.""

An investigation into Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was announced in October after revelations that deaths of at least 56 babies over five years may have been preventable. No chair has been appointed for the inquiry, prompting families to urge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene. Five MPs and bereaved families say faith in the Secretary of State for Health's handling has been lost. Families expressed concern about delays and the risk of a chair using an "untested and unrefined methodology". MPs urged appointment of senior midwife Donna Ockenden, who said she is ready to start immediately. The Health Secretary acknowledged damaged trust and vowed to meet families, rebuild confidence, and ensure an independent, family-centred inquiry.

Read at www.bbc.com