Nottingham University Hospital apologizes to family and announces changes after £800,000 fine
The Chief Executive of the Nottingham NHS trust Anthony May has apologized to Sarah and Gary Andrews following an 800,000 fine during a sentencing hearing.
“I am truly sorry for the pain and grief that we caused Mr. and Mrs. Andrews due to failings in the maternity care we provided. These were serious failings that led to the worst possible outcome, and we let them down at what should have been a joyous time in their live.’’
The hospital pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for failure to provide safe maternity care and treatment to Sarah Andrews and her baby Wynter.
Baby Wynter had suffered a hypoxic event due to an umbilical cord that was wrapped around her neck during labour.
Her mother Sarah Andrews contractions started on the 8th of September 2019 and she went to the hospital on the 14th of September where she was misdiagnosed to be in the latent phase of labour.
An inquest into the matter showed that she was already showing signs of labour upon her arrival at the hospital. She had also been admitted twice during her pregnancy for reduced fetal movement and another time for hydronephrosis a medical condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen because of a build-up of urine inside them.
Sarah Andrews said she was ‘’failed in the most cruel way’’ by the hospital.
“As first-time parents, all we ever wanted was to bring our precious baby home’’
We hope that the criminal prosecution against the trust for its unsafe care will finally be the jolt they need to prioritize patient safety and result in meaningful change’’ Sarah Andrews
In addition to the fine, Nottingham University Hospital will pay costs of £13,668.65 and a £181 victim surcharge.
Chief Executive, Anthony May has also promised changes in maternity services.
“While words will never be enough, I can assure our communities that staff across NUH are committed to providing good quality care every day and we are working hard to make the necessary improvements, including engaging fully and openly with Donna Ockenden and her team on their ongoing independent review into our maternity services.”