I'm thinking ...
what if we collected the stories from all the parents who felt significant mistakes were made during childbirth. There are so many people out there who have stories to tell. Some stories end in tragedy, some in disability and luckily most have a happy ending and a healthy baby is taken home.
However, these situations could have happened to any of us and will continue to occur until things change. Perhaps presenting a large volume of stories - 'a catalogue of errors', to someone in an important position could have an impact. It would give all those families the chance to document their experiences, express their concerns and suggest changes in the hope that these mistakes don't happen to others.
Kiminutter - so sorry to hear about your sister too. It really hurts doesn't it? My sister has not been offered a penny!
Lulumama - thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately, the various Chelsea and Westminster committees that have gathered to discuss this case so far have been inept. There always delays, there are disagreements and there is a general inability to get anything finalised. Here's an example - my sister and her husband sent a letter to the hospital (one of many) asking questions about the birth, in September 2006. In November, I rang to see where the reply was and was told it was 'on my desk' and would be sent by December. Nothing came, nor in January, still nothing in February - but guess what - it arrived the day after the Observer journalist contacted the hospital.
Don't even get me started on the report that was sent with insufficient postage from the hospital - my sister was so stressed about the possible contents but had to go to the post office, pay the postage and an additional charge! Useless!
It's time to deal with the bigger fish!