TWO Somerset hospitals have seen a rise in stillbirths and neonatal deaths since the coronavirus pandemic began.

A report by the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has revealed a rise in the number of deaths since May at both Yeovil Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

The CCG has said it has “no evidence” that the deaths are Covid-related, and that the number of coronavirus cases among maternity patients remained low.

Reviews into the children’s deaths are currently being carried out by the hospital trusts, with the parents receiving support from health professionals.

The report was discussed by the CCG’s governing body when it met virtually on Thursday morning (July 30).

Sandra Corry, director of quality and nursing, said in her written report: “During the Covid period (March to May), there have been 1,068 women that have delivered babies, 717 at Musgrove and 351 at Yeovil.

“During May there has been an emerging number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths at both trusts.

“Reviews within the trusts are being carried out (which is routine practice) for each of these incidents.

“The number of Covid cases within maternity patients remains low.”

Neonatal deaths are defined as any death which occurs when a baby is 28 days old or younger.

The CCG has not confirmed precisely how many babies have died during this period, but said it was a low number.

Vice-chair Lou Evans said: “At this point in time, we don’t know whether the May figures are unusual in their profile, and whether there has been any impact as a result of Covid.

“The important thing to say is they are low numbers – but we are not being complacent about that.”

The CCG said it was reviewing the circumstances of each death to prevent this from happening again, and would report back when these reviews had been completed.

A spokeswoman said: “Sadly some babies are lost at birth or shortly afterwards.

“These cases are fully reviewed in line with national guidance to ensure that any avoidable care issues are identified for learning and improvement. The families are involved in these reviews.

“We do not yet know all the details of the recently reported cases. We know that there is a range of reasons as to why a mother may lose her baby.

“There is no evidence to suggest the Covid-19 situation has affected the outcomes for the babies and families concerned; however, the in-depth reviews are still taking place.”

The findings of these reviews will be shared in detail with the families but will not be published in full.

The CCG will review the findings in due course, with more general updates coming to both the governing body and the patient safety and quality assurance committee.

The spokeswoman added: “The reports allow us to actively consider any factors in the delivery of healthcare which may have influenced the outcome, and take any action needed that could increase the chance of a better outcome in the future.

“Somerset offers exceptional bereavement care to families sadly affected by baby loss at any time during their pregnancy journey. This includes supporting personalised care in their next pregnancy.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by stillbirth or neonatal death, support is available both locally and nationally.

National charity Sands provides bereavement support services through its free-phone helpline on (0808) 164 3332, and also runs around 100 regional support groups – including the Snowdrop Group in Yeovil.

To find your local group email helpline@sands.org.uk or visit www.sands.org.uk.

Towards Tomorrow Together provides support for people in the Bridgwater area. To access support search for ‘TowardsTomorrowTogether’ on Facebook.

In Chard, Little Daffodils provides a bereavement service for families, and hosts monthly support groups across the local area. Search for ‘Little Daffodils’ on Facebook for more information.