Family of brain-injured baby call for full public inquiry after Bradford maternity services placed under investigation

The parents of a Bradford baby left with a catastrophic brain injury are calling for a full public inquiry into UK maternity services, after Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – which runs Bradford Royal Infirmary – was named among the NHS Trusts now under investigation.

The family welcome the hospital’s inclusion in the government’s national review but warn it lacks the powers to deliver the answers and accountability families deserve.

Their case was highlighted in an independent investigation by the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations (MNSI) programme, which found:

• Abnormal heart traces were not recognised or categorised in line with national guidance.
• Urgent concerns were not escalated or acted on for several hours.
• Mandatory “fresh eyes” reviews of the CTG were not carried out.
• When a life-threatening caesarean was finally called, both theatres were occupied – leading staff to perform the surgery in a side room without any clear process.
• Resuscitation drugs were administered out of order compared to neonatal protocols.

Baby Muhammad Khan was born on 25 February 2025 with no heartbeat, after his mother Javeria had attended hospital reporting reduced movements at almost 39 weeks. Delays meant his delivery was pushed back for hours. He required prolonged resuscitation and was later diagnosed with grade 3 hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) – the most severe form of oxygen-related brain injury. He now has permanent, complex disabilities requiring 24-hour care.

Kamran, Muhammad’s father, said:

“We trusted the hospital with our baby’s life – instead, we were made to wait while Muhammad’s condition got worse by the minute. Nothing can undo what happened, and every day we live with the consequences.

“Our son will need 24-hour care for the rest of his life. We are speaking out not just for him, but for every family that puts their trust in maternity care. While we welcome that Bradford is now under investigation, we don’t believe this review will deliver the answers or accountability families deserve. Only a full public inquiry, with the power to compel evidence and hold those responsible to account, can do that.”

Margaret Ryan, Partner and birth injury specialist at Fletchers Solicitors, who represents the family, said:

“We welcome the fact that Bradford is now confirmed as part of the national review. But I have a real concern about the pace and credibility of this process. The investigation was announced in the summer, yet it is only now, in September, that we are learning which Trusts are included – with first findings promised by December.

“Families are right to question whether such a limited review, looking at just 14 Trusts in this short timeframe, can deliver meaningful answers. A statutory public inquiry is the only way to ensure full transparency, accountability, and change across maternity services nationwide.”

The family have also launched a fundraiser to help provide for Muhammad’s long-term care needs. Donations can be made via their GoFundMe page: Help Baby Azlaan Build a Safe Future.

Bradford Royal Infirmary has faced repeated concerns in recent years, including avoidable newborn deaths, misdiagnoses during pregnancy, and whistleblower allegations about unsafe practices. In 2021, the Trust admitted failings in a separate case that left another baby with catastrophic brain damage, resulting in a multi-million-pound settlement.