A report on issues with maternity care and infant deaths at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust is set to be released today.
The most extensive review of maternity services in the history of the NHS, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, was initiated following concerns raised by Sarah and Jack Hawkins after the stillbirth of their daughter, Harriet, at Nottingham City Hospital in April 2016.
Displeased with the hospital’s internal review that found no clear wrongdoing, the couple insisted on an external investigation, which in 2019 identified various deficiencies within the trust and determined that Harriet’s passing was likely preventable.
Over 2,500 families and 800 staff members have provided input to the review, with the General Medical Council (GMC) and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) looking into allegations. The review is scheduled for publication at 11:45 am.
NUH has already paid substantial compensation and fines, including a record £1.6 million penalty in 2021 for maternity lapses resulting in the deaths of three infants.
Nottinghamshire Police launched a corporate manslaughter inquiry last year as part of a broader criminal probe into maternity failings at NUH, focusing on deficiencies at both Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen’s Medical Centre.
Recently, two individuals, aged 55 and 59, were arrested in connection with the mortuary practices at the trust. They were released on bail after being taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
The forthcoming Ockenden report will address suspected care deficiencies at the trust from 2012 to 2025, potentially prompting nationwide changes in care protocols.
In 2025, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust faced a record fine for severe systemic shortcomings that endangered the lives of three infants and their mothers.
The trust’s record £1.6 million fine in 2021 followed the deaths of Adele O’Sullivan, Kahlani Rawson, and Quinn Parker. Additionally, the trust was fined £800,000 in 2023 over the death of Wynter Andrews, making it the first trust prosecuted more than once by the Care Quality Commission.
The failures at the trust, termed “serious and systemic,” exposed additional individuals, including Daniela O’Sullivan, Ellise Rawson, and Emmie Studencki, to substantial harm risks, as stated by District Judge Grace Leong.
Sarah and Jack Hawkins, both trust employees, experienced a tragic loss when their daughter Harriet was stillborn at NUH. Despite their repeated attempts to seek help, they were advised to stay home, leading to Harriet’s tragic demise.
Today marks a challenging day for numerous families embroiled in the largest maternity investigation in NHS history, shedding light on the avoidable harm inflicted on infants and mothers at NUH from 2012 to 2025.
Donna Ockenden, at the helm of the review, will present the findings to families at a central Nottingham location at 11:45 am, followed by the distribution of the report to families and media representatives.
The need for “systematic change” in maternity care has been emphasized by the Government’s maternity adviser ahead of the release of the review on Nottingham’s maternity care. Labour MP Michelle Welsh highlighted the urgency for substantial systemic changes to address the crisis.
Acknowledging the momentum for reform, Welsh stressed the necessity for bold governmental actions and meaningful policy changes to rectify the crisis rather than superficial adjustments.
It is crucial to rethink maternity care practices to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of mothers and infants.