Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust has highest birth injury claims

A new report has identified the most dangerous hospitals in England for childbirth, with Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust having the highest number of preventable birth injury claims from 2022 to 2024. It recorded 33 claims, followed by Nottingham University Hospital and Barts Health NHS Trust. The report highlights issues such as unnecessary pain and delays in treatment as common causes of birth injuries. A total of 1,503 claims were made to NHS Trusts, with brain damage and cerebral palsy among the most frequent injuries deemed avoidable. Concerns about maternity care quality have been raised, with many services failing to meet safety standards. Staffing shortages and funding issues are cited as major problems affecting care delivery in the NHS.