JR chief apologises unreservedly to women whose lives are changed by childbirth harm

Oxford University Hospitals released a statement made by interim CEO, Simon Crowther, following Baroness Amos’s report on the state of maternity services at the Headington unit – see article here.

Mr Crowther said: “Today is about the women, babies and families whose lives have been changed by the care they received in our services.

“The report describes harm, distress and loss. It describes women and families who raised concerns about their own or their baby’s health, and who did not feel listened to or taken seriously.

"It describes confusing and inconsistent communication and care that was not always safe, compassionate or individualised to them. For that, we are deeply sorry.

“We apologise unreservedly to the women, babies and families who suffered in our care, or whose experience caused them grief or distress. We failed them at some of the most important and vulnerable moments of their lives. We accept what families have told the investigation, the failings in care they describe in the report and our responsibility to act.

“We want to thank the women and families who shared their experiences with Baroness Amos and her team, many of whom relived painful and traumatic events to do so. We know how much that will have taken... We owe it to them to make sure their voices lead to lasting change.

“The report also reflects what many of our staff told the investigation. They described people who are committed to doing their best for women, babies and families, often in difficult and demanding circumstances. We are sorry for the toll this has taken on them and we thank them for their dedication to the families in their care.

“We know that families’ trust and confidence in our maternity services have been badly damaged. We also know they will not be rebuilt by words alone and that what matters now is what we do next.

“We will place the experiences shared with Baroness Amos and her team at the heart of our improvement plans. Women, families and staff will be directly involved in informing, shaping and delivering the changes we make. We will listen, act honestly and be open about the progress we are making and the progress we still have to make.

"We will listen harder, act faster and hold ourselves accountable for the improvements that women, babies, families and staff have every right to expect.

“We will respond to the national report and our own local report in full and act on them with urgency. We will say clearly what we are changing, by when and how women and families will see the difference. And we will keep saying it, openly and honestly until trust in our services is rebuilt.

“To every woman, baby and family we failed, we are sorry. We have heard you and we are determined to be the service you deserve."