An independent investigation into the deaths of mothers and babies at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and The Princess Royal in Telford has been widened for a third time after 215 families have contacted the Trust alleging maternity errors.
The review, which was launched in 2017, was initially investigating 23 deaths and in August, it was extended to review cases between 1998 and 2017 and it is now looking at cases relating to deaths and permanent harm of babies and children.
The Trust was placed in special measures last week following concerns over patient safety.
Jeanette Whyman, head of medical negligence at Leamington-based Wright Hassall, is acting for a number of families whose children have been permanently affected by the care they received at the two hospitals.
She said: “It is heart-breaking to hear the stories of the families I am representing. It must be devastating for those who have suffered, to know that the authorities were aware that standards had been below acceptable levels for some time.
“This hasn’t just come out of the blue; patients have been raising concerns for a number of years.
“The fact that the review has been widened for a third time simply underlines the magnitude of the crisis facing the Trust and the dreadful impact it has had on the lives of those affected.
“As a result of these disclosures, new procedures should be put in place without delay and staffing levels reviewed so that women and their babies in Shrewsbury receive the care they deserve and should have been given in the first place.”
