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. It helps you find the words to ask clear questions and understand which NHS routes may be available.
Hear Her First does not provide legal advice and cannot tell you whether duty of candour applies. This section helps you ask clear questions and understand what review or support routes may be available.
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 this incident meets the threshold for duty of candour, 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.