Better NHS care might have saved 58 babies, BBC finds

The BBC's investigation found that improved NHS care might have prevented 58 infant deaths in maternity services, according to a report examining clinical outcomes at a British hospital. The findings have sparked calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups for a statutory public inquiry into Oxford's maternity services to determine what systemic failures occurred and how to prevent similar deaths. The 58 figure represents a significant gap between actual outcomes and what experts believe should have been achievable with better protocols and care standards. A statutory inquiry would have legal authority to compel testimony and documents, unlike internal hospital reviews, making it a more thorough mechanism for accountability. The case underscores ongoing scrutiny of NHS maternity services across England, where recent scandals have led to similar investigations at other hospital trusts.