THE chairman for the independent review of maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has reassured families the latest development will not affect the maternity review.

West Mercia Police confirmed on Tuesday an investigation has been launched into maternity services and provision at the trust.

Chairman of the independent review, Donna Ockenden, says the independent review will be working closely with the police and other groups to identify cases which may be relevant for police investigation.

She said: “As the review progresses we will be working closely with West Mercia Police as well as with NHS Improvement and NHS England, and the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that families’ voices continue to be heard.

“We are currently working towards a release of initial findings and recommendations from the review later this year with the full report to be published in 2021.

“In the weeks ahead we will be in continued discussions with West Mercia Police with a view to identifying cases that may be relevant to the police investigation.

“In due course we will write to those families whose cases may be relevant to the police investigation to gain their consent to share contact details with the police.”

The independent review team is available for families to talk to between Monday and Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm on 01243 786993 or via email at maternityreview@donnaockenden.com

Any families who wish to contact West Mercia Police directly with information regarding significant concerns about their maternity care and treatment at the trust should contact the police at MajorIncidentUnit@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/22HQ19D84-PO1 or by calling 101.