Update on the Ockenden Maternity Services investigation
In a series of articles related to Women’s Health, we follow on from our article ‘How long should a woman have to wait for gynaecological care?’ to explore what is developing in the NHS healthcare setting for female care.
In September 2024, we also discussed how maternity services across the UK were failing Widespread Maternity Failings Are Cause For ‘National Shame’ Says Health Secretary.
You may have heard the term “Ockenden review” in the news. Donna Ockenden is a midwife and nurse who spent many years in practice. She is leading a review into maternity services. Initially this focused on treatment at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust. Her report was published in March 2022 and raised significant concerns regarding the standard of care within the maternity services under that Trust.
She concluded that “this final report of the Independent Maternity Review of maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust is about an NHS Maternity service that failed. It failed to investigate, failed to learn and failed to improve, and therefore often failed to safeguard mothers and their babies at one of the most important times in their lives”.
Sadly, she was then engaged to conduct a similar review of maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. This was set up in May 2022 following concerns raised.
As at 1st February 2025, it was reported that 2,032 families had agreed to be part of the review into the care they were provided whilst at the hospital receiving maternity support.
The review has been subject to a number of delays and two staggering issues that have come to light are:
Despite receiving clear guidelines as to what cases needed reviewing, a discrepancy in the reported cases became clear. Those cases not reported involved babies not surviving, babies born with brain injuries and mothers who died during the maternity process. This is a shocking error in disclosure. Whilst it could be accepted that this was a genuine error it continues to raise questions about the integrity of the Trust and their commitment to a fair inquiry.
A more recent delay has occurred as the inquiry has revealed a number of concerns over the content of medical records, including vital missing records and a concern that there may have been cover ups and documents may have been deleted. Sadly, Nottinghamshire Police have become involved and launched an investigation into this issue.
The review team were due to publish their report at the end of September this year, however, with the above issues they are now suggesting it could take until June 2026 before publication can be achieved.
Maternity Negligence Solicitors
At Bridge McFarland LLP we represent women who have suffered negligent treatment at many different Maternity Hospitals, not just those that form the basis for the Ockenden review.
Nicola Evans, Partner in our Medical Negligence department says “sadly, the majority of my medical negligence caseload at the moment involves women harmed when using maternity services. Cases include avoidable stillbirth and neonatal deaths, brain injured children, physical injuries to babies, and injuries to the mother during pregnancy and/or labour.
This really is a devastating time. I am hopeful that the Ockenden review will continue to raise awareness and help to manage this situation. However, in my opinion, significant funding is required to support the failing services and prioritise midwifery services across the country”
If you, or a loved one, has been harmed by the care received in a maternity setting, whether that is during pregnancy or labour, then please do not hesitate to contact our experienced medical negligence team on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here [insert link to contact form], and we will make contact with you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
medicalnegligence.co.uk is owned and operated by Bridge McFarland LLP, an established and nationally recognised law firm renowned for specialist expertise and experience in this complex area of law. With our determination and commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional standard of service, we have held the highly regarded Lexcel quality mark since June 2008.
Relevant Links:
You can access official information on the Ockenden Maternity Review here:
https://www.ockendenmaternityreview.org.uk/
Related News and Resources
Maternity: Broken Trust – a Medical Negligence Review
Widespread Maternity Failings Are Cause For ‘National Shame’ Says Health Secretary.
