article_snippet.sent: A catalogue of failings have been uncovered at two NHS hospitals after seven babies and three mothers died there in the space of just eight months.
article_snippet.sent: A summary of the investigation, which was kept secret from the families of the dead until now, has been seen by MailOnline and found 'notable absence of clinical leadership' in the maternity wards, and a 'failure to adequately plan care' in a number of cases.
article_snippet.sent: A team of independent investigators also found risk management was 'below standard' in some cases - though there were no apparent 'deficiencies in care' in the deaths of the three mothers.
article_snippet.sent: The report noted that several of the mothers were obese or morbidly obese, which can lead to complications, but that national guidelines for treating overweight people were not followed.
article_snippet.sent: Officials also criticised the hospital's own investigations, saying the root cause of the deaths of the three mothers was not always identified, opportunities to learn lessons were not always picked up, and that some recommendations were too general and difficult to measure.
article_snippet.sent: Doctors had also tried and failed to remove her son Zac from the womb five times using forceps, despite national guidelines only recommending three attempts.
article_snippet.sent: While her son Zac death was not included in the review, staff at North Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which controls the two hospitals, have asked investigators to look into his death was not included in the review.
article_snippet.sent: Independent investigators found failings in care and hospital leadership at Oldham Royal following the deaths of four babies and two mothers there in eight months .
article_snippet.sent: The report, which also looked into the deaths of three babies and another mother at North Manchester General, found that national guidelines for treating obese mothers were also not followed . '
article_snippet.sent: The standard of care we received during and after Thomas died gives me zero confidence in The standard of care we received during and after Thomas died organisation, structure and accountability. '
article_snippet.sent: I'm angry we were not informed [about The report, which also looked into the deaths of three babies and another mother at North Manchester General], even if out of courtesy.
highlights_snippet.sent: Independent inspectors found failings in care and leadership of both .
  