National Health Disservice

Planet Normal

It's somewhat of a sombre week on Planet Normal, as our co-pilots are left shaken by the findings of the Ockenden inquiry into maternity scandals.

The report found over 200 babies and mothers could have survived if it wasn't for catastrophic failures at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust.

Allison struggles to contain her anger at the revelation some mothers were even blamed for their own deaths. She believes the tragedies have exposed serious problems with maternity services, and calls for a Royal Commission into the NHS.

Co-pilot Halligan is nearly moved to tears by the heartbreaking stories of bereaved parents. He hopes the disturbing revelations of arrogance and institutional lack of empathy will spark a long overdue conversation about the health service.

Also boarding the capsule of common sense this week is Professor Mark Woolhouse, one of the UK's leading epidemiologists.

Professor Woolhouse tells our co-pilots why he never supported lockdown policies, and takes aim at the campaign of fear around coronavirus.

Plus, our co-pilots have a special update on plans for a live event to mark the 100th episode of Planet Normal.

Get tickets to the Planet Normal live event: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/live-planet-normal-event|

Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/allison-pearson/ |

Allison Pearson: 'The maternity report that proves the NHS is not a national treasure – it’s a national disgrace': https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2022/03/29/maternity-report-proves-nhs-not-national-treasure-national/ |

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