The NHS has been grappling with a maternity care crisis that has left countless families devastated. Recent reviews and investigations have uncovered systemic failures that have led to avoidable harm and deaths, raising serious questions about patient safety and accountability.
In Nottingham, the largest maternity review in NHS history is set to reveal extensive failings that have resulted in the deaths of multiple babies and profound suffering for families. Meanwhile, in Shropshire, ongoing efforts to improve maternity care highlight the challenges of addressing deep-rooted issues in the healthcare system.
Systemic Failures in Nottingham Maternity Care
The government-ordered inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, has uncovered widespread failures across every level of the service. The review, anticipated to detail how these failures contributed to the suffering of families, was triggered by a 2026 expose that revealed a decade of poor care at the trust.
Around 2,500 families and over 800 members of staff have contributed their experiences to the review. The findings are expected to shed light on the persistent failures to listen to mothers and fathers as well as the lack of staff and critical safety equipment. The trust has previously paid out millions in compensation and incurred fines following prosecutions for its poor standard of care.
Nottinghamshire Police have launched a corporate manslaughter case as part of a wider criminal investigation into maternity failings at NUH. Two men have been arrested in connection with operating practices in the mortuary service provided by the trust. The General Medical Council (GMC) and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) are also investigating allegations against individual staff from NUH.
The Impact on Families
Families affected by the failings in Nottingham maternity care have shared their heartbreaking stories. Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet was stillborn in 2016, have called for a statutory public inquiry into poor maternity care. The couple, who both worked for the NUH trust, described the devastating impact of Harriet’s death on their lives.
Gary and Sarah Andrews, whose daughter Wynter died in 2019 just 23 minutes after being born, have also spoken out about the failings in maternity care. The trust was fined £800,000 after admitting failings in the care of baby Wynter. The couple expressed their hope that the report being published would serve as a wake-up call to the NHS.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Maternity Care in Shropshire
In Shropshire, efforts to improve maternity care have been ongoing, with Donna Ockenden returning to the county to address concerns raised by families. Ockenden, who had previously conducted a review in Shropshire, acknowledged that there had been a lot of catching up to do but noted that significant progress was being made in the relationship between families and the trust.
A trust spokesperson confirmed that a consultant obstetrician is now present in the delivery suite at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford at all times. An auditor is also scrutinizing evidence of other improvements made by Shropshire hospital officials. Ockenden expressed cautious optimism about the future in the county, stating that she would stay for as long as she was needed.
Ockenden has also been working on the Nottingham maternity review and plans to remain in Nottingham post-review to oversee the progress that the trust is making in improving maternity care. She emphasized the importance of learning from past failures and ensuring that families are listened to and believed.
The Call for a Statutory Public Inquiry
Families affected by maternity care failures in both Nottingham and Shropshire have called for a statutory public inquiry into poor maternity care across the country. Health Secretary James Murray has responded to the call, stating that he does not think “we should take anything off the table at this stage.” He emphasized the need to pursue accountability and ensure that women and mothers are listened to in the future.
The chief executive of SaTH, Jo Williams, acknowledged that the report on Nottingham would bring back painful memories for families in Shropshire. She committed to reflecting carefully on the report and ensuring that its findings and the voices within it guide the care provided by the trust.
As the NHS continues to grapple with the maternity care crisis, the fight for justice and accountability remains ongoing. Families are demanding answers and assurances that the systemic failures that have led to avoidable harm and deaths will be addressed and prevented in the future.
