Maternity failings and medical negligence at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

With a recent government commissioned review lead by Baroness Amos revealing maternity services in England are failing “too many” families with problems “at every stage” of the maternity journey, this only adds to an increasing number of worrying maternity scandals.  There is one affecting families locally to us in the South East of England.

In June 2025 Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced an independent investigation into maternity care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, including the Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton), Worthing Hospital, Princess Royal (Haywards Heath) and St Richard’s (Chichester) initially set to examine nine cases since the Trust was set up in 2021.

A joint BBC news/New Statesman investigation into maternity care at the Trust learnt that this will now be expanded to fifteen families.  The investigation found that tragically at least 55 babies who died may have survived with better care between 2019 and 2023.  A review of 9 stillbirths in 2021 and 2022 at Worthing Hospital found missed opportunities in all cases.

What are the main maternity care issues reported at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust?

There are recurring issues reported including failure to heed reports of concerning symptoms such as reduced movements, failure to appropriately monitor mothers and babies as well as issues with communication.

External investigators warned that a “normal birth” culture i.e. one that seeks to provide vaginal delivery with minimal medical intervention was causing concern.

A common theme is that mothers felt the staff did not listen to their concerns, either before the birth or during labour.  They also felt that there was a reluctance to carry out caesarean-section births, which is an issue linked by some maternity safety campaigners to an unhealthy focus on “normal births” (vaginal deliveries without any medical intervention).

The trust has now hired 40 more midwives.  It is hoped that the government’s review will drive further improvements, instigate change, answer questions and demand accountability.

What can you do if you have been impacted by the allegations of medical negligence at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust?

This investigation is of course distressing for the family and loved ones of those affected, who will no doubt be very concerned to hear of this investigation. It will also be alarming for any patients under the care of the hospitals during that time period who feel they may have had negligent treatment.

It is important to remember that the majority of healthcare is performed safely and that patient’s safety is a priority, however, sometimes things do go wrong with medical treatment and when this happens many people do not always know where to turn for help and answers.

The first step is to make a complaint about healthcare provided under the NHS Constitution all patients have the right to have their complaints investigated.  You can write a letter of complaint yourself. It should be addressed to the Complaints Manager at the hospital.

If you believe you or a loved one have been injured as a result of substandard medical care through University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust you may wish to seek legal advice.

If you have concerns about your treatment at the trust, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or loss and an experienced clinical negligence lawyer will be able to talk through with you whether this is a viable option in your particular circumstances.

Which law firms specialise in maternity negligence cases in Sussex?

At Thomson Snell & Passmore we have extensive experience of successfully bringing claims in maternity cases across the South East and Nationally. We make sure your case is fully investigated and guide you carefully through each step of the claim process. Giving personal service and acting with sensitivity are important to us.

You can find more information on our dedicated web page here. We offer a free initial consultation and can act on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis for the vast majority of claims.

If you have any concerns about the investigation into the alleged medical negligence at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, please get in touch with Flora Midgley in our Clinical Negligence team on 01892 701 379 or flora.midgley@ts-p.co.uk