Consultation into birth injury investigations process

An open consultation into the new system of investigations following severe birth injuries, has been launched.

The new Rapid Resolution and Redress system was a key recommendation from the National Maternity Review that was released last year. It seeks to improve the current system following severe injuries that occur during birth, by introducing a ‘consistent, robust and independent investigations for all instances where there may be severe avoidable birth injury’.

This voluntary system would not impact on a parents right to litigate, and only applies to NHS services in England.

The consultation has been launched to consider the following aspects:

— How the system is administered

— The eligibility threshold for compensation

— How learning would be best disseminated and actioned to reduce future harm

The consultation closes on 26 May 2017. Anyone interested in this policy is invited to take part in the consultation, available here.

Additional information is available here.