CL Medilaw to host support groups and legal clinics for families in Hampshire seeking advice on birth injury concerns.
We are hosting a support group and legal clinic to hear families’ stories about their experiences of maternity care in Hampshire. The legal clinic will allow families to access free, independent legal advice on birth injury or birth trauma experiences and to connect with other families in the area who have had similar experiences.
Date of support group: 17 January 2025
Venue: The Stable, 31b The Square, Winchester, SO23 9EX
Time: 12pm – 2pm
The decision to hold the support group and legal clinic follows an increase in enquiries we have received from families with concerns about maternity care in Hampshire, following the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) downgrading of maternity services at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from “good” to “requires improvement” in November 2021. The Guardian UK subsequently released an article in March 2024 in which the Trust featured and which highlighted concerns that the number of children born with brain injuries at the Trust was five times greater in 2023 than the number born in 2022. The “requires improvement” CQC grading for maternity services remains current in 2025.
As well as providing advice on individual concerns, legal advisers will be there to provide guidance on options available to families should they have any questions about:
- The complaint process
- Reporting care concerns to the CQC
- A Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigation (MNSI)
- A referral to the Early Notification Scheme (ENS)
- An internal hospital investigation
- The possibility of an inquest following the death of a mum or baby around the time of birth
If you have any questions in advance of the date, please contact Helen.Hammond@clmedilaw.co.uk or on 07903 313204
