An independent review into the baby death scandal at East Kent Hospitals begins next month with bereaved families asked to share their own personal experiences.

The investigation will be led by Dr Bill Kirkup, who headed up the review into the maternity failings at Morcambe Bay looking into the avoidable deaths of 11 babies and a mother at Furness General Hospital in 2015.

At the East Kent trust, which runs the QEQM hospital in Margate and William Harvey in Ashford, some 26 baby deaths are currently being investigated by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB).

It follows the inquest into the death of one-week-old baby Harry Richford, who died in November 2017 at the QEQM, in which multiple failings were exposed. His death was described as "wholly avoidable" by the coroner.

Other preventable baby deaths have since emerged sparking calls for a public inquiry.

Health minister Nadine Dorries announced in the House of Commons last month that an independent review has been commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvements and will be "robust".

That examination, by Dr Kirkup, will begin on April 21.

It will include looking at the experiences of families who lost babies while under the care of the trust, such as Harry's parents Tom and Sarah Richford, and the mum and dad of Archie Powell, who died at four days old in February 2019.

Ms Dorries said: "I am sure that the inquiry will include a full assessment of the executive team and the board at the hospital, because those at the top must take full responsibility for whatever has happened in the trust.

"I hope that Simon Stevens of NHS England will not mind my saying that no stone will be left unturned.

"I will certainly be seeking reassurances that that is the case, and, from ward level to the chief executive’s office, this inquiry will be thorough and robust, because I will make sure that it is."

Ms Dorries added: "The government is fully committed to reducing patient harm and improving the safety of maternity services."

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