A major review into the UK's largest maternity care scandal has revealed systemic failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, with more than 500 mothers and babies dying or being harmed between 2012 and 2025. The independent review, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, examined 2,500 cases involving deaths, serious injuries, and stillbirths.
The report found 'deep-rooted' and 'systemic' failures, including a bullying culture and racism within the trust. These issues contributed to a 'toxic' environment that compromised patient safety over the 13-year period.
Key findings highlight a pattern of neglect where doctors and midwives failed to act on warning signs, leading to preventable stillbirths and maternal deaths. The review calls for urgent reforms to address the cultural and systemic problems identified.
The trust has acknowledged the findings and apologised to affected families, pledging to implement changes to improve maternity care.
