Statements

Niche statement on the care and treatment of Yusuf

The review for the care and treatment of Yusuf can now be viewed here.

A Niche spokesperson said: “This has been a tragic case, and our thoughts remain with this family, who worked closely with us during our initial review.

 “We recognise, whilst both reviews are looking at slightly different elements, that cumulatively, they reach the same basic conclusions and are both conscientious investigation reports.

 “Most importantly, we hope that this family can have confidence that many clinicians and other experts have now looked at this case and have concluded the same key elements and provide detailed insights into areas for improvement.

 “Most of the clinical actions along his care journey were appropriate and, despite some modifiable factors, corrective actions might not have ultimately made a difference to the devastating outcome.

“Both reports recognise that Yusuf’s mother should have been listened to much more in her knowledge that her son was acutely unwell. That a post-mortem might have been helpful in determining more absolutes about causation but one did not take place, and that where inconsistency exists between the parents’ account and that of the care record, a clear conclusion can still not be reached, and no alternative evidence has been found across the two reports, despite the inclusion of additional witnesses.”

Niche statement on the Swansea Bay Independent Maternity and Neonatal Review

A Niche spokesperson said: “The Swansea Bay Independent Maternity and Neonatal Review has now been published and is available to view on the Swansea Bay University Health Board website.

“Niche was commissioned by Swansea Bay University Health Board in May 2024 to support the delivery of the review. This was following concerns raised by families, by regulators and via MBRRACE (mothers and babies reducing risks through audits and confidential enquiries).

“The underlying aim of the review is to identify opportunities to improve patient safety within Swansea Bay Maternity and Neonatal Services and make recommendations for organisational and system learning.

“The review process has been a huge undertaking involving taking in the views of over 1,000 women and families, undertaking detailed clinical reviews of care of 138 women and 125 babies, detailed discussions with community groups, and the extensive analysis of data, evidence and other information. This review has examined the services form all aspects, in order to form a rounded, independent view.

“All families needing maternity and neonatal care deserve and have the right to expect safe, compassionate, and consistent care. We hope that this report provides the women and families of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot with reassurance that the facts are now known. And, that where change is needed, the Health Board is now fully aware of this and can take forward the recommendations of the report.”