An NHS trust has apologised after an independent review concluded that eight babies might have survived with improved maternity care, admitting it has "failed families". The stillbirths occurred at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust's hospitals between June 2025 and March 2026.
The review, ordered by the trust, identified systemic issues such as failures in managing high-risk pregnancies, providing appropriate triage, identifying foetal growth concerns, and using interpreter services effectively. Four cases were assessed as having care deficiencies likely to have affected the outcome, while care issues in another four cases may have contributed.
Since the report, a further seven stillbirths have occurred, including three in August 2026. A review into these additional deaths has now been ordered. All the stillbirths occurred after 34 weeks gestation.
Dr Des Holden, acting CEO of the trust, apologised to the families involved, stating, "On behalf of the board, and personally, I am very sorry and apologise to the women and families, and their communities, where failings in our care are at the heart of these devastating outcomes." He added that the trust is implementing the review's recommendations in full.