Hospital trust faces ground-breaking corporate manslaughter charge

Maidstone and Tonbridge Wells NHS Trust has become the first hospital trust to be charged with corporate manslaughter following the death of a 30 year old woman after an emergency caesarean section in 2012. 

Two of the doctors involved in her treatment have been charged as individuals with gross negligence manslaughter. 

This is a significant development for both hospital trusts and those advising clients in clinical negligence cases. 

The first hearing of the case will take place at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 1 May, but the matter will be remitted to the Crown Court and it is likely to be several months before it reaches trial.