At least 56 babies and two mothers have died at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust over the past five years, and some of these deaths could have been prevented, according to a BBC investigation published on Friday.

The British broadcaster said data obtained through a Freedom of Information request show that there were 27 stillbirths and 29 neonatal deaths between January 2019 and July 2024, with the latter occurring within 28 days of birth.

Despite the trust?s maternity units at Leeds General Infirmary and St James?s University Hospital being rated ?good? by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), two whistleblowers have raised concerns about safety standards, describing the care as ?appalling.?

Lisa Elliott, who worked at the trust in 2023, told the BBC that there was a ?tick box? culture at the units, which she believes contributed to failures in patient care. ?That?s when disasters happen, and a lot of them can be avoided,? she said.

The trust has defended its record, stating that the vast majority of births are safe and that maternal and neonatal deaths are rare.

In a statement, the trust explained that it cares for a higher volume of babies with complex medical conditions, as it is one of the UK?s ?specialist centres.?

However, bereaved families have expressed doubts, arguing that care quality is compromised by a lack of compassion and inadequate response to concerns.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust now faces calls for an independent review of its maternity services, with families seeking assurance that any failings are properly addressed. They are also pushing for a wider, judge-led public inquiry into maternity safety across the country.

Concerns have also been raised about the leadership at the trust, with the BBC reporting that the trust?s former chief executive, who was in charge during the majority of the deaths, is now heading the regulator responsible for investigating such cases.

Parents and experts worry that this could undermine the independence of any investigation into the trust?s practices. (Anadolu Agency, excluding headline)

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