Infant deaths and maternity care concerns put UHSussex under scrutiny as inquests and inquiries spotlight cross-hospital communication risks and new parental-leave debates.
Campaigners press for paid leave and extended carers’ leave as a government review on parental support gathers pace. Dame Rachel de Souza argues for 12 weeks paid leave at 90% pay and a right to return to work, while carers’ leave is set to rise to 10 days a year.
A government-backed inquiry into maternity and neonatal care is expanding to include sessions with families. Campaigners say the process is a turning point for the trust involved, as families share experiences to guide the review.
Inquests in Kent and West Sussex spotlight missed opportunities and miscommunication between NHS trusts, raising concerns about antenatal care, emergency decisions, and patient handovers. Families call for systemic improvements and clearer protocols as investigations unfold.