Sussex maternity negligence claims

If your family was harmed by maternity failings at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, you may be entitled to support. Early findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that dozens of babies may have survived with better care, leaving many families with painful questions. We can guide you safely, with no pressure and no risk.

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Matthew Mitchell-Jennings

Solicitor and Team Leader

Additional content

Christian Beadell

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Last Updated

22nd July 2026

Can I make a University Hospitals Sussex maternity negligence claim?

Concerns have been raised about maternity care provided across several UHSussex sites. You may be able to make a claim if you or your baby suffered harm as a result of poor maternity care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Maternity negligence can have devastating and lasting consequences for mothers, babies and families. If you were affected, you deserve support.

We are aware of concerns raised about maternity care provided across the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, Worthing Hospital, the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester. The ongoing investigation is examining cases primarily from 2019 to the present, with early findings suggesting that at least 55 babies may have survived with better medical intervention.

Issues under scrutiny include failures to act on reduced foetal movements, missed warning signs during labour, delays in diagnosing serious complications, and a lack of timely clinical escalation. These types of failings can lead to serious outcomes such as baby loss, preventable birth injuries, harm to mothers, and long–term health needs requiring ongoing treatment and support.

If you believe earlier action, closer monitoring or different clinical decisions could have changed the outcome, it is worth speaking to us. Many families only realise something may have gone wrong months or even years later, often after learning more about the concerns now being investigated across the Trust.

Example of a University Hospitals Sussex maternity negligence claim

Imagine a mother who reported reduced foetal movements during late pregnancy, but whose concerns were not properly investigated or escalated by clinical staff. Her baby was subsequently stillborn, an outcome that an independent review later found may have been preventable with timely intervention. If the Trust failed to follow accepted clinical guidelines and that failure contributed to the loss, this could form the basis of a valid maternity negligence claim.

Related claims alongside this group action

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What compensation can help with

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Seeking answers, accountability, and financial support for the future.

For many families affected by maternity failings at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, pursuing a claim is often a way of being heard, holding those responsible to account, and getting the help needed to move forward. It can ease financial pressures, create space for recovery, and give families access to the care and guidance they need after a tragic experience.

Although no amount of compensation can put things right, when a baby has been lost, it can help with the practical costs that follow. Where a mother or child has been left with lasting injuries, compensation can support treatment and long–term care.

A successful University Hospitals Sussex maternity negligence claim may help cover:

Funeral costs and bereavement damages where a baby or mother has died
Ongoing medical treatment, therapy and rehabilitation
Psychological support and counselling for the whole family
Long-term care needs for a child born with a disability or brain injury
Loss of earnings, both current and future, where injury affects ability to work
Adaptations to the home or specialist equipment required as a result of injury
Compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity for injuries sustained

Understanding the potential value

We represented a mother who had been under the care of a London hospital, where her baby’s reduced growth was not followed up during pregnancy. An investigation later confirmed that her daughter should have been delivered earlier and that the stillbirth could have been avoided.

She received £50,000 in compensation, reflecting the psychiatric injury she suffered and the way her loss continued to shape her daily life and wellbeing. Every claim is shaped by the individual circumstances of the family involved. The value reflects the emotional, practical and financial impact of what happened, and the support your family may need as you move forward.

Understanding interim payments

We know that families affected by serious maternity failings often face ongoing pressures, whether that is the cost of specialist care for a child with complex needs or the impact of a mother being unable to work as planned. Even if some time has passed since the birth, we will explore whether interim payments can be secured during the claims process. These early payments can help your family access essential care and support sooner, rather than waiting for the final settlement.

Specialist maternity negligence solicitors

We have extensive experience supporting families affected by maternity failings

Why choose Fletchers for your University Hospitals Sussex maternity negligence claim?

Families affected by maternity failings at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust often need support that is both specialist and sensitive. The concerns raised across the Trust involve complex, systemic issues and families at very different stages of understanding what happened to them. Our birth injury solicitors have deep experience in maternity negligence claims and are recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers for their expertise. We guide families with clarity, care and the specialist insight these cases demand.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist birth injury and maternity negligence solicitors recognised as leaders in this area of law
Trusted by families across the UK who have experienced harm in NHS maternity settings
Access to leading independent medical experts who can assess whether the care you received fell below acceptable standards
In–house rehabilitation and wellbeing support to help coordinate the care your family may need
Proven ability to secure interim payments so essential treatment and support can begin sooner
Recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers for excellence in clinical negligence
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the families we have supported
No win, no fee so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you and your family are going through.

For many families affected by maternity care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, coming forward has not been easy. Some are grieving the loss of their baby, with others living with the long–term consequences of a traumatic birth or caring for a child with complex needs. Many only began to question their care after learning about the concerns now being investigated across the Trust. However you have reached this point, your feelings are valid.

We know that experiences like these can touch every part of life. Parents describe the emotional toll, the strain on relationships, the impact on work, and the practical pressures that follow when care has fallen short. There is often a deep need for answers, and a fear of not being heard or of having to relive painful memories. You should not have to carry that alone.

We have supported many families in similar situations. We know that what matters most is that you feel supported, informed and treated with care at every stage. If you choose to explore a claim, we will guide you gently through the process. We will gather the evidence, understand what went wrong, and work to secure a compensation package that reflects the full impact on your family.

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FAQs about University Hospitals Sussex maternity negligence claims

About the University Hospitals Sussex maternity investigation

The independent review, led by Donna Ockenden, is examining cases of stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death, severe brain injury and serious maternal harm across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

It is expected to cover more than 1,000 cases, with the power to consider earlier incidents and cases where records are incomplete.

What is the scope of the maternity review at University Hospitals Sussex?

On 13 May 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the scope of the independent maternity review, which will be chaired by Donna Ockenden. The review will cover cases of stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death, neonatal harm caused by severe brain injuries, and severe maternal harm.

Every family who meets the terms of reference will be automatically included in the review – with no need to apply or come forward – unless they choose not to be. Donna Ockenden will also have the power to consider cases before 2018 and those where women believe they meet the criteria around severe harm but whose records are incomplete or missing.

Does contacting Fletchers commit me to making a claim?

No. Speaking to us is simply an opportunity to understand your options.

We’ll listen to your experience, explain what we think, and give you the information you need to make the right decision for you – with no pressure to proceed.

About the maternity review

The independent review into maternity care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is being led by Donna Ockenden, who previously chaired the Shrewsbury maternity investigation.

This review is not a legal claim. Its purpose is to understand what went wrong, identify patterns of unsafe care and ensure that families receive answers.

Families who meet the review criteria will be included automatically, there is no need to apply. The review will examine cases of stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death, severe brain injury and serious maternal harm, and is expected to cover more than 1,000 cases. It also has the power to consider earlier incidents and cases where records are missing or incomplete.

A legal claim is separate. While the review looks at what happened, a claim focuses on securing compensation and support for your family.

Is the maternity review the same as making a claim?

No. The review and a legal claim are separate processes. The review, led by Donna Ockenden, looks at what happened and whether there were systemic failings in maternity care. It aims to give families answers and improve safety.

A legal claim is different. It focuses on whether the care you received fell below an acceptable standard and whether you are entitled to compensation to support your family’s needs. You can be part of the review, make a claim, or do both, one does not prevent the other.

Which hospitals are covered by this investigation?

The investigation covers maternity services provided by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust across four hospitals in Sussex:

Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton)
Worthing Hospital
Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath)
St Richard’s Hospital (Chichester)

If you or a family member received maternity care at any of these hospitals and have concerns about the treatment you received, please get in touch.

What is a group action?

A group action allows families affected by similar failings to pursue their cases together. It can strengthen the evidence, increase accountability and ensure that patterns of unsafe care are properly recognised.

You will still receive individual support, but your case benefits from being part of a wider group.

How long do I have to make a maternity negligence claim?

In most adult clinical negligence cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment – or from the date you became aware that the treatment may have been negligent – to bring a claim. Different time limits apply in some circumstances, including claims brought on behalf of a child.

Given that this is an ongoing investigation and that some families may only now be becoming aware of potential failings, it is important to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible so that your position can be properly assessed. We will advise you on the relevant time limits in your specific case.

What evidence will I need?

We will help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This typically includes your medical records from University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which we can request on your behalf, as well as any other relevant records relating to your care or that of your baby.

We will also instruct independent medical experts to review your care and provide an assessment of whether it fell below the standard expected. You do not need to have all the documentation ready before speaking to us – we will guide you through what is needed at each stage.

What if I am not sure whether my care was negligent?

You do not need to be certain that your care was negligent before contacting us. We offer a no-obligation initial consultation where you can speak to one of our specialists about your experience and receive honest, confidential advice about whether the care you received may have fallen below acceptable standards.

If, after that conversation, it is not clear whether a claim is possible, we can still help you understand what happened and signpost you to other sources of support.

What support is offered during my claim?

We understand that clinical negligence claims – particularly those involving baby loss or serious birth injury – are not just legal processes. They are deeply personal journeys.

Throughout your claim, our team will keep you informed at every stage, explain things clearly and without jargon, and handle the complexity of the legal process on your behalf. Where appropriate, we can also help you access interim payments to cover urgent costs while your claim is ongoing, and signpost you to other sources of practical and emotional support.

Is there anything I can do to help other affected families?

Yes. As this is an ongoing investigation, the more families who come forward and share their experiences, the greater the potential for the review to widen its scope and for more families to access support and accountability.

If you have concerns about your care, we would encourage you to contact us – not only for your own benefit, but because the information you share may help others who have been through similar experiences. There is no obligation to pursue a claim at this stage.

Will sharing my experience make a difference to the investigation?

Sharing your experience may help the review team build a clearer picture of maternity care across the Trust, but there is no expectation or obligation to do so. If you have questions about your care, we can talk through your concerns and explain whether your experience may be relevant, without any commitment to pursue a claim.