Police launch investigation into maternity scandal trust

The trust is already at the centre of an independent investigation into potential poor maternity care covering more than 900 patients and dating back 40 years.

West Mercia Police’s assistant chief constable Geoff Wessell has said in a statement, first reported by The Independent website: “Today, 30 June 2020, we have met with NHS Improvement, the Department of Health and the independent reviewer [Donna Ockenden] to discuss complaints made against Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust in relation to maternity services and provision. The independent review is ongoing.

“We can confirm that a police investigation will be conducted to explore whether there is evidence to support a criminal case either against the trust or any individuals involved. The investigation is now live, so we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

The trust has had a series of other poor care concerns, specifically regarding its emergency services and was recently rated “inadequate” for the second time by the Care Quality Commission.

Louise Barnett, chief executive for Shrewsbury and Telford HospitalTrust, said: ”We are aware that a police investigation will be conducted by West Mercia Police to explore whether there is evidence to support a criminal case either against the trust or any individuals involved, following complaints made against the trust in relation to maternity services and provision. We will fully cooperate with the investigation.

”I would like to reassure all families affected that we are listening and acting on feedback.”

”We are not able to comment further to avoid prejudicing the investigation.”