Families invited to help shape Leeds maternity review led by Donna Ockenden
Families in Leeds are asked to contribute to an independent review led by Donna Ockenden into the city's maternity services
Families affected by maternity and neonatal care failings in Leeds are being invited to help shape an upcoming independent review into maternity services in the city.
A first meeting with senior midwife Donna Ockenden, who will lead the review into failings at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), and members of her team will take place at the Park Plaza Hotel on Saturday, July 18.
The meeting will give families the opportunity to meet Ockenden and her team, learn what the independent review will involve, understand how they can take part if they choose to, and ask questions about the process.
Most importantly, it will allow families to contribute to the development of the review's Terms of Reference.
Donna Ockenden said: "The Review cannot start its work until the Terms of Reference have been agreed, and it is vital that those who have been affected by maternity and neonatal care at the Trust have the opportunity to help shape the Terms of Reference.
"We appreciate that, for the families taking part in this Review, it will involve revisiting some of the most painful experiences of their lives. That's why it is essential that the Ockenden Review is underpinned by a trauma-informed approach, and we are working to ensure that families feel informed, listened to and supported at all stages."
The independent review into maternity and neonatal services at LTHT follows longstanding concerns raised by parents about the care they received in Leeds.
Finalising the Terms of Reference is an important first step that will define the scope of the review, and hearing directly from families is a priority for the review team.
Two identical sessions will be held in the morning (10am to noon) and afternoon (1pm to 3pm) to provide flexibility. Families can choose to attend either session or stay for the whole day.
The event is open to all families who have experienced harm as a result of maternity care failings in Leeds. Charities and support organisations will also be in attendance to provide information and support throughout the day.
Families interested in taking part should email [email protected] to confirm their place.