POLICE have ‘made contact with senior figures’ involved in the investigations into maternity deaths at Furness General Hospital.

Officers have this morning confirmed that they have met the team leading the independent inquiry into the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust (UHMBT).

It is thought ‘a number’ of mothers and babies died after receiving care on the unit.

A police spokeswoman said: “Cumbria Constabulary has made contact with senior figures who are due to lead the full independent inquiry into failings across Morecambe Bay Trust’s maternity services, which was announced in February this year.

“Cumbria Constabulary detectives involved in the ongoing police investigation into a number of deaths of mothers and babies that occurred after they received care at Furness General Hospital’s Maternity Unit are now liaising with the independent inquiry team with a view to meeting them, including the independent chair, Dr Bill Kirkup, to share appropriate information.

“This course of action is being taken to ensure that clear lines of communication are established so that both the police and independent inquiries can continue side by side without impinging on each other.

“The timings for these meetings are not yet set, however it is hoped they will be held in the near future.”

They say a full and thorough police investigation is continuing, although there have been no arrests to date.

They are also unable to confirm the numbers of deaths they are looking at or exact information about the scope of the investigation.

The spokeswoman added: “A team of officers remain dedicated to the enquiry and detectives will now work alongside an independent inquiry team so that both investigations can run simultaneously.”

The trust says it has 'welcomed' the announcement.

Jackie Daniel, chief executive at UHMBT, said: “The trust is fully supportive of, and will continue to work with the wider NHS in its proposed inquiry.
 

“The trust also continues to co-operate fully with Cumbria Constabulary as part of its on-going investigation into the deaths of babies and mothers, following care received at Furness General Hospital.
 

"The new trust board is resolute in its determination that this trust never lets anyone down again in the way it did in the past and we will not accept second best for our patients.

"Although we can’t change the past, we can learn from it and we will ensure we continue to do so.”

The news has also been welcomed by Furness MP, John Woodcock, who said: “This is very welcome news - I have long argued that the police investigation should not delay the inquiry into previous failings at the hospitals trust.

"This announcement clears the way for the independent team to come in and ensure we learn the lessons to safeguard care for future generations.

"I hope the inquiry team will also now meet with grieving families as soon as possible and agree detailed terms of reference.”