NE Times
Health

Nottingham maternity review finds avoidable harm and deaths

The Donna Ockenden review uncovers widespread failures in maternity and neonatal care at Nottingham hospitals, prompting families to demand a public inquiry.

Sophie Bennett

Writer ·

5 min read
Hospital maternity ward corridor
Hospital maternity ward corridor · Illustrative section image

A landmark review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden has found widespread failures in maternity and neonatal care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, with hundreds of mothers and babies suffering potentially avoidable harm or death.

Background

The largest maternity inquiry in NHS history examined poor care, staffing shortages, workplace culture and a repeated failure to listen to patients and families who raised concerns.

The Guardian and Sky News reported that affected families have called for a full public inquiry and urgent accountability following the findings.

What happens next

Campaigners want assurances that lessons will be acted upon nationally, with scrutiny now turning to how the trust and wider NHS respond to the review's recommendations.

Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by The Guardian. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.

The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.

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