Skip to main content

News

East Kent maternity scandal leads to 45 baby deaths

20 Oct 2022

Lessons to Learn: The Impact of the East Kent Maternity Scandal on UK Maternity Care

A recent report commissioned by the Government has found that 45 baby deaths, and 97 cases of harm to mothers could have been avoided in East Kent.

The report looked into substandard care between 2009 and 2020 in maternity services at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. A number of babies also suffered brain damage leading to cerebral palsy.

The report by Dr Bill Kirkup is the 2nd report of the year of a similar nature. In March an Inquiry found similar problems at Shrewsbury and Telford Trust.

The reports have been damning and have identified systemic issues throughout the maternity services, including issues surrounding not being open and honest when problems have occurred.

Our specialist solicitors often become involved at a very early stage in birth negligence cases. They will support the parents through the complaints process, and help to ensure that justice is achieved. They are sympathetic and understand that a priority is ensuring that lessons are learned by the health professionals.

Dean Wilson Solicitors are currently acting for a number of clients where birth injury has occurred. The specialist team can be contacted on 01273 249200.

More News

On Medical Negligence

Medical dressing being applied to a patient

Settlement Obtained for Client Following Retained Dressing - Gender Affirming Surgery

Lyubov Nikolchova recently secured a favourable settlement for a client, who experienced a delayed recovery
Read more
doctor checking feet

Red flags in clinical practice: expert insight on diabetic foot problems

The second article in our "Red Flags in Clinical Practice" series focuses on diabetic foot problems, in particular Charcot foot.
Read more
MIdwife with baby

Nottingham Ockenden Report (2026): What it means for families and what to do next

The Ockenden Report published on 24 June 2026 is an independent review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Read more