An investigation into concerns about maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital trust(SaTH) has been widened for a third time, it has been claimed.

SaTH says of the 91 families who have contacted them directly, 36 cases relate to questions about deaths in the unit, while a further 22 relate to cases of permanent harm.

In August the scope of the review into alleged maternity failings between 1998 and 2017 was expanded to look at 40 cases, and it was widened again shortly afterwards to take in 100. A report from the BBC today says more than 200 families have now come forward with concerns.

A statement released today by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust said they were "working closely with families" as part of the enquiry into historic maternity issues.

"In April 2017, the Secretary of State for Health requested NHS Improvement(NHSI) undertake the independent review of investigations the hospital trust had already undertaken into a number of historic cases," it said.

"The cases were named in a letter to the Secretary of State for Health in December 2016 and included new-born, infant and maternal deaths at the Trust. Those 23 cases that will be reviewed, subject to family consent, are those named in the letter in December 2016."

The trust say publicity generated by the investigation has resulted in a number of other families approaching them with questions about their experiences.

"Separate from the NHSI-commissioned investigation, the Trust is or has discussed issues with 91 families who have come forward to discuss their experience over a 44 year period from 1973 to 2017. Of these 36 relate to questions about deaths and 22 to cases of permanent harm. During this period there have been around 198,000 births at the Trust’s hospitals in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin."

"Not all of these cases relate to the quality of care provided. Some families have contacted the trust for general reassurance and information. Others have questions they would like answering.

"It is clear in some cases that the issue relates to the grieving process and an opportunity for remembrance. The care group is addressing all enquiries with compassion and care for the families irrespective of time passed."