Inquiry Finds Preventable Failures in Lanarkshire Newborn Deaths

A Scottish fatal accident inquiry highlights systemic maternity care flaws and issues 11 recommendations to prevent similar tragedies.

The deaths of three newborns in Lanarkshire hospitals in 2019 and 2021 were deemed preventable if reasonable precautions had been taken.
Key failures included inadequate midwife guidance, poor risk flagging, and misinterpretation of labour induction protocols.
The inquiry issued 11 recommendations, including a 'trigger list' for preterm labour, a dedicated emergency phone line, and improved record-keeping systems.
Parents of the deceased expressed grief and frustration over systemic failures, calling it a 'catalogue of errors' with missed opportunities to save lives.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde faces pressure to implement reforms aimed at improving maternity care and restoring public trust.