Dozens of Powys families had their cases heard as part of a review into maternity services in Shropshire.

Yesterday (Wednesday, March 30), the second Ockenden Report was published, highlighting failings in maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, which is the primary port of call for many parents-to-be in mid Wales.

Now Powys Teaching Health Board has responded to the report, and confirmed that about 40 families in Powys had their experiences considered as part of the review.

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Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Powys Teaching Health Board said: “The failures at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) are deeply concerning, and our first thoughts are with the families affected by these tragic events.

“Throughout the review process we have worked closely with Donna Ockenden and around 40 families that reside within Powys whose experiences have formed part of the review at SaTH.

“We have ongoing dialogue with SaTH, with the Review team, and SaTH’s Improvement Alliance partners at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust and Sherwood Forrest Hospitals NHS Trust.

“The work we have seen evidenced to date to improve services has been implemented with a focus on women and families. We will continue to work together with SaTH and other partners on this improvement.

“We are committed to working with women and their families on their care choices. Currently many women report good or excellent care experiences, however if any woman has concerns regarding their care we would encourage them to either discuss with their midwife or to contact us directly at the health board.

“If any Powys residents would like to share their experience of Women and Children’s Services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, please contact concerns.qualityandsafety.pow@wales.nhs.uk or call 01874 712967 or 01874 712699.”

Meanwhile, Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones also brought up the corss-border impact in a question to Health Minister Sajid Javid in Parliament on Wednesday.

She said: "Many members from across the House have mentioned the incredible bravery of all the parents who fought for their babies, particularly Rhiannon Davies. Rhiannon is originally from mid-Wales, although she now lives in a constituency across the border.

"There are many women who live in mid-Wales who need to access the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, and I am concerned that they will hear about today’s report and be worried about the care that they will be receiving over the next few days.

"So, as well as implementing the Ockenden review in full, will the Secretary of State please give his reassurance to those women in Wales who need to travel across the border for maternity services?"

In reply, Mr Javid said: "Yes, I can give my hon. Friend that reassurance. I can add that Donna Ockenden, in doing her work, looked at cases from Wales as well. The issue that my hon. Friend has raised has also been raised by my hon. Friend Craig Williams, and I can give them both that assurance."