Liz Jarvis MP comments Health Secretary’s announcement of National Investigation into maternity deaths

Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis has commented on Wes Streeting MP’s announcement of a rapid national investigation into maternity services amid ongoing investigations into poor maternity care in some trusts. Ms Jarvis wrote to the Secretary of State for Health last week to push for the inquiry into preventable deaths. 

Ms Jarvis raised the case of Eastleigh residents Charlotte and James Bassett, whose baby daughter, Norah, tragically died in April 2019 at Royal Hampshire County Hospital. Norah was given the all-clear by a doctor but quickly became poorly. Despite concerning oxygen saturation results, Norah was not rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit. She died very suddenly that same night. 

Charlotte and James are being supported by the Maternity Safety Alliance, a group of parents whose babies have died in hospitals who are pushing for a reform of maternity services. 

Liz Jarvis MP for Eastleigh said:  

“Today’s announcement by the Health Secretary starts the process of giving long overdue answers to impacted families. We now need to see real action from the Government to keep mothers and babies safe. Every woman should have the right to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, care, and respect.”