BREAKING: Bereaved families in Sussex are urgently calling for an “unlimited” independent review into maternity care failures that may have led to the deaths of their babies. In a poignant letter sent on February 20, 2025, to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the “Truth for Our Babies” (TFOB) group insists that the review should not be restricted to a limited number of cases.
Latest investigations reveal that at least 55 babies could have survived if they had received proper care at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The TFOB group, comprising 19 bereaved families, claims to have identified an additional seven families whose cases have been excluded from current reviews, either due to timing or judgments made by the trust itself.
Parents are demanding accountability after discovering that internal reviews often contradicted findings from external investigations indicating serious care failings. The letter to Streeting emphasizes the need for him to meet with the families face-to-face in Brighton to discuss their experiences and the proposed review.
The Sussex families compare their plight to that of families in Leeds, where investigations revealed that 56 babies may have died preventable deaths between 2019 and mid-2024. “You have met with those families twice,” the letter states, urging Streeting to afford them the same opportunity to share their heartbreaking stories.
While the Sussex families anticipate an independent review, they express frustration that the investigation has not yet begun. A crucial point of contention is the appointment of a suitable lead for the review. Families in Leeds have urged Streeting to appoint Donna Ockenden, a well-respected figure who previously led a significant inquiry into maternity care issues at Shrewsbury and Telford.
The TFOB group believes that Ockenden can provide the “accountability, justice, and change” they desperately seek, as her experience allows her to “hit the ground running” with established protocols. However, Streeting has indicated a desire to avoid relying on a single individual for maternity investigations, which has left the families feeling unheard.
In their letter, the TFOB group expressed their concerns regarding the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) proposed candidates to lead the Sussex review, stating that these individuals lack the necessary experience. They assert, “We cannot risk further trauma or harm being done to us,” emphasizing the emotional toll of losing their babies due to inadequate care.
A spokesperson for the DHSC responded, stating, “Every family who has lost a baby deserves answers.” They confirmed they are actively working with families to finalize a chair for the review and have acknowledged the request to include all relevant cases in the investigation’s scope.
As the situation develops, families are left anxiously awaiting further communication from the DHSC. They are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that no more families will suffer from the failures they experienced.
The TFOB group urges the community and media to support their cause, amplifying the need for a comprehensive investigation that prioritizes family experiences and seeks genuine accountability.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter as the families continue to fight for justice and answers.
