An independent review into maternity services at Sussex hospitals is beginning its work, with a central focus on hearing from bereaved parents who have long campaigned for accountability. The review is led by Donna Ockenden, who has pledged to ensure that the voices of families who have seldom been heard are prioritized throughout the process.
The investigation follows sustained pressure from family members and findings from media inquiries regarding infant deaths at facilities managed by the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
Among those set to provide testimony is Susan Cacciacarro, whose daughter Chiara was born stillborn in 2021. At nearly 37 weeks pregnant, Cacciacarro noticed a complete absence of fetal movement and rushed to Worthing hospital. Chiara had been identified as high-risk due to a heart defect detected at a 20-week scan, and previous monitoring had shown the baby had lost weight over a two-week period.
Despite these complications, staff did not alter the planned delivery schedule, which was set for 39 weeks. Upon arrival, medical personnel were unable to detect a heartbeat, resulting in a stillbirth. Cacciacarro described the event as devastating, stating that her world was turned upside down in an instant.
Strange how high-risk status didn’t prompt earlier intervention. The delays seem unforgivable.
I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child like that. My thoughts are with these families.
Will this review actually lead to systemic change, or is it just another formal inquiry?
It is truly heartbreaking that such clear signs were ignored. This should never happen.
Finally, accountability. These parents deserve to be heard after being ignored for so long.