HEALTH chiefs are gearing themselves up for a legal challenge over one of six baby deaths - of which the most recent has seen births suspended at Kidderminster Hospital.

Solicitors for one of the parents who lost their child at Wyre Forest Birth Centre have asked to see the child's medical records - which bosses said is a warning shot to expect a claim through the courts.

But the request has not come from the parents of two children who died at the centre in August - the double tragedy which dramatically put a stop to any more babies being born there.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive John Rostill said any fear of legal action had no bearing on his decision to temporarily halt deliveries for the probe.

He said: "My decision to close the centre related to the evidence presented to me on the two cases in August and I took no account of the previous incidents."

The six deaths date back to 2001 and Mr Rostill said internal investigations had shown three were "unavoidable" while a formal complaint was made against the trust by the family he now believes is getting ready to take legal action.

The family brought the complaint last year but Mr Rostill said their discussions with the trust "did not resolve" the issues.

No disciplinary action was taken against staff "as a direct result of any of the incidents to date", he added.

Mr Rostill said: "We assume the parents are not satisfied with the outcome of the formal complaints procedure.

"We have sent the medical records off to a solicitor so the chances are there will be a claim."