Four NHS trusts under fire for higher baby death rates in national safety review

Four NHS hospital trusts in England have been identified as having higher than expected rates of stillbirths and newborn baby deaths, according to a national maternity safety review. The findings, based on analysis of the latest data from the UK’s perinatal mortality audit, highlight concerns about outcomes for some families and where further investigation may be needed.

The trusts identified as having higher rates for both stillbirths and neonatal deaths are:

• University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
• South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
• East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
• Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

A ‘red’ rating means the number of deaths recorded was at least 5% higher than expected compared to similar hospitals, after taking into account factors such as deprivation, ethnicity and pre-existing health conditions.

The data, compiled by the national MBRRACE-UK audit and published with a time lag, relates to outcomes in 2024 and excludes cases involving congenital abnormalities.

Only one of the four trusts, University Hospitals of Leicester, is currently part of the government’s ongoing national maternity inquiry, led by Baroness Amos.

Hospitals named in the data have expressed condolences to affected families and acknowledged the need for continued improvement.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said it had seen positive developments in maternity services but admitted ‘more improvement is essential’.

University Hospitals of Leicester said it cares for a high number of critically ill and premature babies, which can affect its outcomes, but outlined plans to invest in staffing, monitoring and communication with families.

Royal Devon University Healthcare said the small number of cases involved highly complex clinical situations and had been reviewed for learning.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said it could not identify a single cause for the rise in deaths but noted a downward trend since 2024 and pointed to the impact of deprivation on pregnancy outcomes.

NHS England said national stillbirth rates are at their lowest level in a decade but added that targeted support is being provided to trusts where faster progress is needed.

What Fletchers has to say

Trevor Ward, Head of Birth Injury at Fletchers Solicitors, said the findings are deeply troubling and highlight an urgent need for action.

“Each statistic represents a family going through an unimaginable loss. These reports should serve as a wake-up call. It is not enough to review cases quietly behind closed doors.

“Hospitals and regulators must act decisively to identify what went wrong, implement improvements, and ensure no family has to experience this again.

“Families deserve answers, honesty, and swift changes in care standards. Lessons must be learned and applied consistently across the NHS.

“Only through transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform can we prevent future tragedies and restore trust in maternity services. Let’s hope that all ongoing reviews and initiatives come up with some concrete and actionable recommendations which we all look forward to seeing.”

Here when you need us

At Fletchers Solicitors, our dedicated birth injury team supports families affected by substandard maternity or neonatal care. We understand that these cases are not just about compensation, but about rebuilding futures and securing lifelong support.

If you believe your child has been affected by negligent medical care, we’re here to listen and help.

For Every Birth, For Every Baby, For Every Family.