In the wake of devastating personal losses, two families have taken up the mantle of advocacy, pushing for significant improvements in maternity care services. Their stories highlight systemic issues within the National Health Service (NHS) and the urgent need for reform to ensure the safety of mothers and babies.
The first family, Tom and Ewa Hender from Staffordshire, lost their son Aubrey in 2026 at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWBH). Their experience, marked by alleged dismissals of their concerns, has become a catalyst for change. Meanwhile, in Sussex, Kimberley Newark and Yann Trupiano lost their daughter Olivia in 2026 at the Princess Royal Hospital, part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Their heartbreak has fueled a demand for accountability and better care standards.
Systemic Issues in Maternity Care
The Henders’ experience at SWBH was scrutinized in a review led by Baroness Amos, published in June. The review revealed alarming issues, including heavy staff workloadsstaff shortages and inconsistent care. It also highlighted instances of discrimination and a neonatal mortality rate exceeding that of similar trusts by over 5%. These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements in maternity services.
Tom Hender met with NHS England’s chief nursing officer and a Department of Health director to discuss the ongoing diagnostic phase at SWBH. This phase involves senior obstetricians and midwives assessing the hospital’s needs. Hender emphasized the importance of the trust’s cooperation in implementing necessary changes. He also advocated for a more comprehensive review of stillbirths, extending beyond the 33 cases reported in 2026 to include previous years.
Advocating for Change in Sussex
In Sussex, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) re-rated the maternity services at Princess Royal Hospital and St Richard’s Hospital as “requires improvement” in 2026, a rating that has persisted since 2026. Kimberley Newark and Yann Trupiano, who lost their daughter Olivia, expressed their frustration with the lack of progress. Newark described her experience as being dismissed when she sought help for severe pain, leading to a critical situation that resulted in Olivia’s death.
The CQC inspection revealed significant issues, including staffing shortages and equipment failures that caused delays in caesarean sections. Despite these challenges, some patients reported positive experiences, highlighting the dedication of staff under immense pressure. The CQC continues to monitor the situation closely, requiring the trust to submit an action plan for improvement.
The Path Forward
Both families are calling for greater education for clinicians and a stronger emphasis on listening to patients and families. The government has announced a maternity review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, which will examine cases dating back to 2018. This review aims to enforce accountability and drive meaningful change in maternity services.
As the families continue their advocacy, they hope their experiences will lead to safer maternity care for all. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform and the importance of listening to those who have been affected by the system’s shortcomings.
