Oxford University Hospitals Trust maternity scandal
John Radcliffe hospital is at the centre of an investigation into failings of their maternity and neonatal unit.
A joint investigation by Channel 4 News and New Statesman into Oxford University NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust has revealed allegations of malpractice at John Radcliffe Hospital.
20 families have come forward and shared their experiences of losing babies, having children born with severe disabilities, or suffering serious harm themselves. They state that this is a result of poor care from the Trust.
A focus of the investigation is OxGrip, a scanning pathway led by Professor Lawrence Impey a Consultant in Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine at the John Radcliffe Hospital. The pathway has been found to not adhere to national guidelines, and “polices” ultrasound scans outside of the pathway, including for high-risk pregnancies.
OxGrip was introduced with the aim of reducing stillbirths, but the recent data from MBRRACE shows that Oxford now has the highest stillbirth rate in England among hospitals of its category.
The Trust also had an explicit policy of denying all maternal request caesarean sections - a caesarean requested with no strict medical need - until 2021. This was contrary to Nice guidelines published in 2011.
The investigation spoke with several women who were denied these elective caesareans. Some women had to give birth in hospitals miles away from home in order to receive their requested caesarean.
Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has ordered NHS England to investigate the allegations contained in the report. He has called the revelations “scandalous” and that the investigation pointed to a “moral failure” in the system.
Simon Crowther, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has stated “We extend our heartfelt apologies to any family who have not received the standard of care they deserve and our condolences to those who tragically have experienced loss.
“We work hard to listen with care and compassion to the concerns that have been raised, and we remain fully committed to learning from them.”
In regards to his lawyers sending a letter to Rebecca Matthews, a patient who set up a support group about experiences with the Oxford University Hospitals Trust, accusing her of defamation and harassment, Mr Impley stated:
“I am sympathetic to the stated aims of the campaign and any attempt to characterise the sending of the letter as an attempt to prevent fairly warranted criticism or concern would be misleading and inaccurate.
“I actively encourage my patients to share feedback – whether positive or negative – through the established channels available including through the Trust’s formal complaints process where necessary.”
Oxford University Hospitals Trust is one of 12 trusts currently under review as part of a maternity review led by Baroness Valerie Amoss and ordered by the Heath Secretary.