The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has downgraded maternity services at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’ University Hospital from ‘good’ to ‘inadequate’ following unannounced inspections. The inspections revealed failings that posed significant risk to the safety of women and babies and the CQC have demanded that urgent improvements are made. Neonatal services have also been downgraded from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’.
BBC Investigation Sparks Urgent Calls for Inquiry Into Maternity Care in Leeds
The CQC inspection follows an investigation by the BBC in January 2025 which uncovered significant patient safety concerns and provoked an urgent call by families for an independent inquiry into maternity care in Leeds.
Many of these families have also joined others across England to urge Wes Streeting to undertake a national inquiry into medical negligence in maternity services.
Alarming Mortality Rates
The BBC investigation on maternity care in Leeds reported that between 2019 and mid-2024, there were 27 stillbirths, 29 neonatal deaths, and two maternal deaths — all of which had been found to be potentially preventable by a Trust review group. It also found that in 2022 Leeds had the highest neonatal mortality rate in the UK at 4.46 per 1,000 births, which is 70% higher than the average for comparable Trusts. The latest MBRRACE report shows a worrying increase in neonatal mortality in 2023 in Leeds to 5.01 per 1,000 births and the highest perinatal mortality (stillbirths and neonatal deaths) in the UK at 8.42 per 1,000 births.
Families report that they were not listened to and felt there was a lack of compassionate care when raising concerns during their pregnancy. Women also reported that they felt they were treated differently due to their ethnicity.
Over the last decade, there has been growing concern across the UK regarding the quality and consistency of maternity services. High-profile inquiries, including those at Shrewsbury and Telford and at Morecambe Bay, have revealed systemic issues around understaffing, poor communication, and missed opportunities to prevent harm. Leeds now appears to be the latest in a series of NHS Trusts where families are demanding answers. This growing pattern has prompted calls for a unified national inquiry into medical negligence in maternity services, to ensure that lessons are not just learned in isolation but implemented across the entire healthcare system.
CL Medilaw Senior Associate and Specialist Birth Injury Lawyer Rebecca Fairclough Comments
“It is devastating that yet another Trust is failing to provide safe maternity care in Leeds, but it is sadly not surprising to those of us who work with families that have suffered avoidable harm as a result of failings in medical negligence in maternity services. It is encouraging that the CQC has demanded that urgent improvements are made, however, an independent inquiry remains necessary to ensure the safety of patients in Leeds and to prevent any other family suffering the tragic and avoidable loss of their baby or loved one. It also strengthens the call for a national inquiry into maternity safety.
We represent families that have received poor maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and are here to help. We offer free specialist advice and no win no fee claims. We can also provide you with a second opinion about a possible claim for damages, even if this has previously been turned down by other solicitors.
We understand the emotional toll of losing a child or experiencing trauma during childbirth. Our team of experienced solicitors is committed to supporting families affected by failings in maternity care in Leeds. If you’re unsure whether what happened to you or your loved one could give rise to a legal claim, we offer a free, confidential consultation.
Let us help you get the answers — and the justice — you deserve.
If you or your loved one has experienced medical negligence in maternity services, contact us today for compassionate and expert legal support.
FAQs About Claims for Medical Negligence in Childbirth
- How long do I have to make a claim? Generally, you have 3 years from the date of the incident or from the date you became aware that negligence occurred. For children, the 3-year limitation period starts from their 18th birthday. If your child’s ability to make decisions for themselves has been significantly affected by their injuries (for example due to global developmental delay alongside cerebral palsy or HIE) they may be able to bring a claim at any time.
- Will making a claim about maternity in Leeds affect my future care? No, your right to healthcare will not be affected by making a medical negligence childbirth claim.
- How much compensation might I receive? Every case is unique. Compensation depends on the severity of injuries, ongoing care needs, and other factors specific to your situation.
- What if other solicitors have turned down my case? We often take on birth injury claims around maternity in Leeds that other firms have declined. Our specialist expertise allows us to see potential in cases others might miss.
