University Hospitals Derby and Burton publishes Maternity Learning Review report

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) has today published the report from an independent maternity learning review it requested from NHS Derby and Derbyshire last year.

NHS Derby and Derbyshire commissioned HSIB to carry out the review at the request of the hospitals trust, which wanted an independent view to help identify lessons that could be drawn from the cases.

The cases related to three maternal deaths and four maternal collapses; all seven cases had already been individually investigated, but the Trust and NHS Derby and Derbyshire felt an independent review of the cases collectively would give the Trust and the families involved assurance that all possible learning had been identified.

The families involved in the seven cases contributed to the review and received a copy of the report from HSIB prior to publication.

Dr Chris Weiner, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “I want to thank everyone who contributed the review, especially the families who will continue to feel the impact of the events that led to this review, and I also want to apologise for their experiences. Their willingness to be part of this review process will help us to improve care and I am very grateful for their involvement.”

“It is important to acknowledge the initiative shown by the maternity department and UHDB’s leadership in requesting this review, demonstrating the essential value of openness and a determination to deliver the best possible care.

“We are satisfied that HSIB has conducted this independent review thoroughly.  We are reassured to see that a number of the recommendations are in place and others underway and we will be working closely with colleagues at UHDB to provide support but also in an oversight role to ensure the recommendations of the report are progressed and delivered appropriately.”

As a result of UHDB’s request, the ICB commissioned HSIB to deliver an independent learning review in 2022, and the report was shared in February 2023.