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Despite increasing baby deaths in England, C&M ICB Remains fixated in closing Liverpool Women's Hospital New released figures reveal that a trust facing scrutiny over its maternity care had neonatal mortality rates in 2023 nearly double the average for similar units. Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, which operates a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with neonatal surgery, has experienced higher-than-average adjusted death rates since 2017, the first year data was recorded by the MBRRACE-UK audit. However, these rates have significantly increased in 2022 and 2023, while the national average has remained steady (as shown in the chart). Meanwhile, on Merseyside, the local ICB - Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board - remain fixated in closing the only stand-alone Maternity and Gynaecology hopsital in England, hand the buildig over to private healthcare interests; whilst refusing to say where those world leading maternity and gynaecology services are to be situated. Rumours of them being given to a Manchester Hopsital some 30 miles away persist, with the claimed source of this decision coming from an ICB member. The apalling state of neo-natal deaths in England is exemplified by the latest 2023 data figures, published this month, which reports a neonatal mortality rate of 5.01 per 1,000 live births for Leeds, compared to a group average of 2.6 for the 26 UK providers with a Level 3 NICU and neonatal surgery. This places Leeds as a clear outlier, with the next highest rate being 3.51 at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Even when excluding deaths attributed to congenital anomalies, Leeds still has the highest rate, although the gap is smaller, with a slight decrease in 2023 (2.05 per 1,000 for neonatal deaths, compared to the average of 1.43). Last month, the BBC reported that the trust had information suggesting at least 56 baby and two mother deaths over the past five years could have been prevented. Fiona Winser-Ramm and Dan Ramm, whose first baby, Aliona Grace, died shortly after birth in Leeds in 2020, said the new MBRRACE data strengthens their call for a local inquiry into the trust’s maternity services. Mr. Ramm stated, “ That figure of 5.01 is 92% higher than the average of the comparator group. It is almost a scandal hiding in plain sight.” The couple is part of a group of families who have written to the health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, requesting an inquiry, and they are awaiting a response. Leeds is one of 26 units in the UK and 21 in England with a Level 3 NICU and neonatal surgery, typically caring for the most premature and critically ill babies. MBRRACE, which audits maternal, newborn, and infant care, adjusts mortality rates to account for various risk factors. While it acknowledges that mortality rates may not definitively reflect care quality due to variations in high-risk pregnancies, it stresses that the data is robust and highlights where further investigation is needed. Magnus Harrison, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust’s chief medical officer, stated: "The safety of our patients is paramount, and we recognize these figures may cause concern. Every death of a baby is a tragedy, and we will continue to review all deaths and collaborate with families and neonatal network organizations to ensure that we share learning. We will continue reviewing our neonatal and perinatal mortality rates with our peers to identify further actions for improvement." The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSA) confirmed that Mr. Streeting would respond to the families’ letter "in due course," with a spokesperson adding: "Too many women are not receiving the safe, personalized, and compassionate maternity care they deserve. Through our Plan for Change, the government is committed to changing that by listening to women and families, learning lessons, and improving care to ensure mistakes are not repeated. We will support trusts to make rapid improvements and work closely with NHS England to train thousands more midwives to support women throughout their pregnancies and beyond."
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