Shropshire maternity scandal: Review asks for staff experiences of service
The inquiry which has uncovered harrowing failings in maternity care at Shropshire's major hospitals is now calling on staff to share their experiences.
Donna Ockenden, who has been carrying out the Independent Review into Maternity Services at Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said they wanted to hear from staff – both past and present.
She said their experiences could prove a vital part of the inquiry, and added that those speaking to the review would be doing so confidentially
Mrs Ockenden, chair of the independent review said: “It is very important that staff voices are heard as part of our review as this will really help our understanding of maternity services during this time period.
“Any former members of staff who were employed to work directly in the maternity services at the trust and current staff can take part in this survey.
"This can include but is not limited to doctors, midwives, anaesthetists, obstetricians, nurses, support workers, administrators, theatre staff, portering staff and managers.
"There will also be an opportunity for some staff to participate in more detailed confidential conversations with review team members if they wish to.”
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Mrs Ockenden said the review wants to hear from staff who worked in maternity services at the trust from 2000 until the current time.
A statement from the inquiry added: "As part of this work, the review team would like to understand from current and former staff their experiences of what it was like to work in the trust’s maternity services.
"All responses will be held securely and confidentially within the review team and individual staff will not be identified within the final report."
The first report of the Independent Maternity Review identified 27 local actions for learning for the Trust that are essential to improve safety and seven immediate and essential actions for both the trust and maternity services across England.
It revealed shocking failures in care as it looked at 250 cases.
The next stage of the review is looking at nearly 2,000 cases.
Mrs Ockenden said her team is now focusing on the completion of clinical reviews to enable the next report to be published.
A statement from the team added: "As well as family voices, staff voices will be clearly heard and represented within the next report."
Those who wish to participate or have any questions can email staffvoices@donnaockenden.com in confidence.
Those who do will be sent an anonymised confidential questionnaire survey to complete.
