Two men were arrested on Monday in connection with operating practices within the mortuary service at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, which is at the centre of the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history. The arrests come just days before the publication of a major independent report into failings at the trust.
Arrests and Investigation
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that the men, aged 55 and 59, were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in the running of mortuary services. The arrests were carried out by Operation Perth, the police investigation into maternity services at both Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital. The force stated that the operation discovered breaches of regulations under the Human Tissue Act relating to the management and operating practices of the mortuary services.
NUH operates mortuary services at both hospitals under a licence from the Human Tissue Authority. Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin said: “We recognise this will be particularly distressing for families. We appreciate that this development comes only a few days before the publication of the independent maternity review, led by Donna Ockenden, which will be an important but difficult time for families.”
Ockenden Report Imminent
The report by senior midwife Donna Ockenden is due to be published on Wednesday, examining more than 2,500 cases involving mothers and babies who died or suffered serious harm. It is expected to outline “horrendous” failings in maternity care, including allegations of racism towards mothers. The trust has already paid out millions in compensation and fines after being prosecuted over poor care, and Nottinghamshire Police launched a corporate manslaughter investigation last year.
In addition, the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council are investigating allegations against individual staff members. The Nottingham Maternity Families Group has urged the Prime Minister to order a statutory public inquiry into maternity care across England.
Police have contacted families directly impacted by the issues within the mortuaries and will continue to reach out as the investigation progresses.
