Streeting Says He Takes Leeds Maternity Care Inquiry Concerns 'extremely Seriously'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he takes nan concerns of bereaved families "extremely seriously" aft acknowledging spot had been "damaged" astir a promised Leeds maternity attraction inquiry.

He announced nan investigation into Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust successful October, aft a BBC investigation revealed that nan deaths of astatine slightest 56 babies complete nan past 5 years whitethorn person been prevented.

But cipher has been appointed to chair nan inquiry, starring to immoderate families urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene.

Streeting is expected to meet immoderate of families affected by nan deaths connected Monday afternoon.

Ahead of nan gathering connected Monday, Streeting vowed to activity pinch nan families to rebuild assurance and guarantee nan enquiry would present "the truth they deserved".

"Losing a babe is devastating beyond words, and you merit not conscionable answers, but a process you tin trust," he said.

"The spot and dignity these families person shown, while carrying unimaginable condolences shows bonzer courage. I americium personally committed to ensuring this enquiry is thorough, independent, and puts families astatine its heart."

Earlier this month, five MPs penned a letter, seen by nan BBC, to Downing Street, stating: "Leeds families person mislaid religion and assurance successful nan Secretary of State for Health's handling of this inquiry".

Bereaved families were concerned astir nan hold and nan anticipation of appointing a chair who utilized an "untested and unrefined methodology", nan missive said.

It urged Sir Keir to name elder nurse Donna Ockenden to chair nan Leeds NHS Trust investigation. She is presently starring an enquiry into Nottingham maternity services, which is examining astir 2,500 cases of failings.

Ockenden has said she is "ready to chair nan reappraisal into Leeds maternity services and tin statesman activity instantly if asked."

A transcript of nan missive was hand-delivered to Downing Street connected 11 February by families affected by nan deaths. Among them were Fiona Winser-Ramm and Dan Ramm, whose girl Aliona died successful January 2020 astatine Leeds General Infirmary. An inquest recovered "a number of gross failures" that "directly contributed" to her death.

"When we've met pinch nan caput of state, he is often saying nan correct things to us," Winser-Ramm said.

"But it isn't translating into what is projected for nan enquiry by nan Department of Health."