The Government has announced that Shrewsbury and Telford Trust will be involved in the rapid review into maternity and newborn care across England.

SaTH is one of three trusts who were subject to a previous independent enquiry in 2022. This review will investigate how these previous learnings have been implemented into the trusts current conduct to improve care across Telford and wider Shropshire.

The investigation is welcomed by Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, who commented “I fully support this investigation and any improvements that it brings which will build on the Donna Ockenden report and encourage families to come forward.”

On the investigation, Wes Streeting, health secretary, commented “Bereaved families have shown extraordinary courage in coming forward to help inform this rapid national investigation alongside Baroness Amos. What they have experienced is devastating, and their strength will help protect other families from enduring what they have been through.

I know that NHS maternity and neonatal workers want the best for these mothers and babies, and that the vast majority of births are safe and without incident, but I cannot turn a blind eye to failures in the system.”

The investigation will identify any further systemic issues and make any more recommendations necessary. The first wave of these are expected to be in December.