New figures have revealed NHS trusts in Cheshire have paid nearly £200k in compensation to families affected by maternity negligence, over the past five years.

Data obtained by Medical Negligence Assist shows between 2020 and 2025, 62 birth injury-related claims were made against East Cheshire, Mid Cheshire Hospitals and Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trusts, with 11 cases settled to date. 

The 2021/22 financial year saw the highest number of claims, with 23 lodged, with the largest total payout also coming in this year, exceeding £90k.

Data obtained by Medical Negligence Assist shows tbetween 2020 and 2025, 62 birth injury-related claims were made against East Cheshire, Mid Cheshire Hospitals and Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trusts, with 11 cases settled to date (Photo: Medical Negligence Assist).

The findings come as maternity safety across England remains under heavy scrutiny. A series of investigations has exposed widespread failings in maternity care, leading to avoidable deaths, severe injuries, and long-term trauma for families.

The data paints a troubling picture of the state of maternity care in Cheshire, reinforcing national concerns about the urgent need for safer staffing levels, better training, and more robust oversight of maternity units.

Gareth Lloyd, a medical negligence solicitor at JF Law, said: "These figures are deeply concerning and show that serious issues persist within maternity services. The fact that families are still suffering avoidable harm during childbirth is unacceptable.

When care falls below a safe standard, the consequences can be devastating, not only for the mother and baby, but for the entire family. It's vital that lessons are learned from these failings to prevent further tragedies."

Birth injuries can range from bone fractures and nerve damage, such as brachial plexus injuries, to brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation, resulting in lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). 

The 2021/22 financial year saw the highest number of claims, with 23 lodged, with the largest total payout also coming in this year, exceeding £90k (Photo: Medical Negligence Assist).

Some mothers also experience lasting psychological trauma following traumatic or mismanaged deliveries.

In June 2025, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a national review into the state of maternity services, revealing that almost two-thirds of 131 NHS maternity units were rated as "inadequate" or "requiring improvement."

According to NHS Resolution, there have been 6,413 obstetric negligence claims made nationally since 2020, with 2,955 settled, resulting in a total of £2.24 billion paid out in compensation.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said the government had inherited "an unacceptable situation where too many families are suffering from botched care," adding that "the NHS continues to spend billions compensating victims instead of addressing the root causes."

Across all NHS maternity negligence claims in England over the past five years, the most frequently reported injury type has been stillbirth, accounting for 272 claims.

The data paints a troubling picture of the state of maternity care in Cheshire, reinforcing national concerns about the urgent need for safer staffing levels, better training, and more robust oversight of maternity units (Photo: Medical Negligence Assist).

Mr Lloyd said: "In recent years, there has been a litany of scandals involving poor maternity care across the country, and sadly, in my professional experience, I have seen too many cases where both baby and mother have suffered avoidable harm."

"While pursuing a birth injury claim can be emotionally difficult, it's important to hold healthcare providers accountable and ensure families receive the long-term support their child will need."

Medical Negligence Assist offers support to patients who may have suffered harm as a result of substandard maternity care and can see if they have grounds to submit a claim.

They operate a 24-hour helpline, along with an online claim form, which can be accessed on their website.