Swansea Bay independent maternity and neonatal review - an update from Chair of the Oversight Panel, Margaret Bowron KC
It has been a number of weeks since my appointment as Chair of the Oversight Panel was announced and I would therefore like to provide an update on the progress that has been made in that time and next steps.
Whilst I am fully committed to ensuring the Review commences as soon as possible, there are a number of key steps that need to be taken in advance of this to ensure the Review can proceed in such a way that it is meaningful to families and addresses the concerns that they have raised.
In terms of progress, the process of appointing the remaining members of the Oversight Panel is almost complete and I expect to be in a position to announce the names of those I have appointed shortly.
I have conducted a robust interview process with individuals who are recognised as experts in their fields. I can confirm that the candidates were selected by me and have all confirmed that they have no previous affiliation with the Health Board.
The scope is a core component of the Review and it is paramount we get this right. I have reflected both on the views that have expressed to me by experts in the maternity and neonatal areas as part of the Oversight Panel appointment process and those families who have written to me and can confirm that I fully recognise that the scope of the clinical review of cases needs to be widened.
I am committed to ensuring that all voices are heard when it comes to the process of finalising the scope and the Terms of Reference. I therefore will be seeking views on the further draft of the Terms of Reference from patients and staff and those views will be fully considered by the Oversight Panel before the Terms of Reference are finalised. I also want to make clear that the scope of the Review and the Terms of Reference are entirely the responsibility of the Oversight Panel to determine (having taken account of expert, patient and staff views).
My next update will be after the Easter holidays.
Margaret Bowron KC.
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