If something may have gone wrong
If something may have gone wrong during your care or your baby’s care, it can be hard to know what to ask. You are allowed to ask what happened, whether a review or investigation is taking place, who will update you and what support is available now.
Hear Her First is not a complaints service and does not provide legal advice. It can help you write down what happened, prepare questions and understand some of the routes that may be available if you want to ask for a review, explanation or further support.
Ask what happened
“Please can someone explain what happened, what has been reviewed so far and what we should expect next?”
Ask whether a review is taking place
“Please can you tell us whether this is being reviewed or investigated, who is responsible for the review and when we will be updated?”
Ask about duty of candour
“Please can you explain whether duty of candour applies here, and who will be responsible for updating us?”
Ask for support
“Please can you tell us what support is available for our family now, including emotional support, birth reflections or follow-up appointments?”
You can also contact PALS or ask about your trust’s formal review processes. Hear Her First helps you prepare what you want to say, not decide what is clinically right.
Safety note
This is a communication tool to help you prepare what to say. It does not provide medical advice, diagnose symptoms or replace maternity triage, midwives, doctors, emergency care or local NHS guidance. If you are worried something is seriously wrong, contact your maternity unit, NHS 111 or 999.