Bereaved parents are set to give evidence at a major independent review into maternity and neonatal services in Sussex. The review, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, launched on Saturday with a public meeting in Brighton.
The launch follows months of campaigning by bereaved Sussex families and a joint investigation in February by the New Statesman and the BBC. That investigation reportedly revealed that the deaths of at least 55 babies might have been avoidable if they and their mothers had received better care from University hospitals Sussex.
Susan Cacciacarro, whose daughter Chiara was stillborn in 2021, is among the parents who will provide evidence. Chiara's pregnancy was classed as high risk, and a 34-week scan reportedly showed she had lost weight, but maternity staff at Worthing hospital did not plan to expedite her birth.
Ockenden, an expert in maternity safety, has previously led reviews into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford and Nottingham University hospitals NHS trust. She is also chairing a review into maternity and neonatal services at two Leeds hospitals.
The review is expected to investigate more than 1,000 maternity and neonatal cases dating back to 2018. Ockenden stated her priority will be to listen carefully to harmed and bereaved families and to engage with communities and staff in Sussex.
Dr Andy Heeps, chief executive of University hospitals Sussex, welcomed the review and committed to supporting the process. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson expressed sympathy for families affected and highlighted ongoing work to improve maternity safety nationally.