'Your child matters': Grieving families in Leeds encouraged to attend second maternity review meeting

Grieving families affected by maternity and neonatal care failings in Leeds are being invited to attend a second meeting of the independent review.

The meeting, which will take place at the Met Hotel in Leeds city centre on Saturday (September 26), will offer families the chance to learn more about the Donna Ockenden-led review, what to expect, and how to become involved if they wish.

There will be time for families to ask questions about the process and have their voices heard in sharing feedback and concerns about the maternity and neonatal care provided by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT).

Ahead of the second meeting, Fiona Winser-Ramm, whose daughter, Aliona, died at Leeds General Infirmary, is encouraging all affected families to attend the meeting.

“We want our family group and events to be a place of community, where people are equal partners in this inquiry and know that they will be seen and heard,” she told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“That is why we are encouraging everyone who has been affected to come forward to join us. We understand that it’s a big step, but it has been encouraging to hear people who weren’t sure about coming to the events now saying that they are so glad they did, irrespective of how long ago their harm occurred.

“Please know that you aren’t alone and that you and your child mattered then, matter now, and always will. Our group looks forward to meeting you.”

At this early stage, it is critical for Senior Midwife Donna Ockenden and her Review Team to meet with families and begin liaison with community groups and leaders, and local charities.

In understanding the needs of the local community, the Review Team is then better able to inform the Trust of the essential actions they need to take to improve patient safety within maternity and neonatal services.

Two sessions will be held throughout the day, one morning and one afternoon session. Both sessions will cover the same content, providing families with the opportunity to attend at a time that best suits their needs.

“It was incredible to have well over 100 families attend the launch event of the Ockenden family meetings back in July,” Fiona added.

“Many of those families had been carrying their significant trauma for years, often believing that they were totally on their own.

“Watching them feel empowered enough to find the strength to come forward - and, in some cases, speak for the first time about what had happened to them - is what this is all about.”

The meeting is open to all families who have experienced harm or a bereavement as a result of receiving perinatal care in Leeds.

Charities and support organisations will also be attending to provide information and support throughout the day.

A creche will also be provided to make the meeting as accessible as possible for families.

Meeting details

• Date: Saturday, September 26
• Location: The Met Hotel Leeds, 5 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HQ
• Schedule: Morning session - 10am to 12pm; Afternoon session - 1pm to 3pm.
• Both sessions will cover the same content.
• Those interested in taking part should email [email protected] to confirm their place.