Blackpool mum ‘not given chance to be heard’ before baby’s death

Investigators working as part of the wider review visited Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 9 and 10 December and on 26 January.

They said families “not being listened to” was a “recurring and deeply distressing” part of their care, external.

Families described not only a failure to listen, but a failure to recognise they needed clear explanations of what was happening, they found.

For those who experienced harm, it was made worse when there was no clear acknowledgement or apology after things had gone wrong, the report said.

However, investigators said some families praised their care telling them they felt listened to, believed and reassured.

The hospital trust said it has worked hard to improve care for families and will now “consider the full report carefully and work with women, families, staff and partners to make sure our care is the very best it can be”.

Shannon has since had another girl who was born by a planned elective section in 2024 and she chose to have her at Royal Preston Hospital.

“It was a really difficult time but I can’t fault their care at all.

“They were amazing with me.”