Victims and families first in Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal

The focus of the inquiry into the recently unveiled Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal must ensure that the victims and their families are put first.

These are matters that have left permanent emotional scars on people’s lives, and the NHS must ensure that there is never a repeat of this kind of scandal ever again.  Nothing can ever be done to undo what has happened, and people who should have been experiencing one of the happiest times of their lives have instead been left with permanent heartbreak.

Some form of justice must be achieved so there can be a form of closure for those affected, and changes must be made to ensure this never happens again.

Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal lasted decades

The report that was leaked in November indicated that there may have been a period of negligent care that lasted for decades. There may be as many as 600 cases of medical negligence with dozens involving infant deaths and children being left with permanent brain damage.

Cases are understood to involve preventable injuries suffered during the birthing process as well as potentially negligent advice and care in general. Infants and their families must never be allowed to suffer in such ways ever again, and the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy; the true scale of which may never be fully known.

We know from experience that medical records surrounding these kinds of events do not always paint the full picture. With the problems said to have lasted 40 years, we can’t be confident that the paper trail will be clear in all cases.

More families coming forward

It’s understood that more than 800 families have now come forward as part of the ongoing inquiry into the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal.

Since the leaked report came into public view, it has given a voice to families who have been left with unanswered questions as to how their child lost their life or has been left with permanent and debilitating injuries. In fact, many victims though that they were alone and had no idea there even was a scandal until the leaked report came to light. Others had been battling for justice and answers for years, and the scandal being brought to light may help their cause.

It’s also understood that the police are liaising with the inquiry, and rightly so. Four decades of substandard care cannot be allowed to go unpunished and there must be accountability for what has happened.

Help and support

The victims and their families must be the priority in the wake of the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal. The help and support available for the families affected must be a primary focus.

It’s going to be a hard battle for justice, and it’s going to be tough and upsetting to have to relive painful events and memories in efforts for closure.

The inquiry may go on for a long period of time given how extensive the scandal appears to be.