Donna Ockenden, the senior midwife who led the investigation into the NHS's worst maternity scandal at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, has been appointed to chair a new review into failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The announcement comes after widespread backlash over the health service's initial choice for the role, which critics argued lacked independence.
NHS England formally apologised to families for the delay in appointing Ockenden, scrapping the previous review and starting afresh. The earlier review, chaired by senior NHS manager Julie Dent, was abandoned after Dent resigned earlier this month citing personal reasons. Families had raised concerns about the independence of the old review, which was first set up in August last year.
At least nine babies and three mothers are believed to have died over the past three years at the trust, which runs 15 hospitals in the Midlands. It had previously paid out millions of pounds over 30 baby deaths and 46 infants left brain damaged. The previous review, covering nearly 600 cases from 2006 to October 2021, was expected to be completed in November this year.
A statement on behalf of affected families expressed 'immense relief' at Ockenden's appointment, calling it a 'significant step towards restoring confidence in Nottingham maternity services'. They thanked Health Secretary Sajid Javid for listening to their campaign. Ockenden said she was 'delighted' to take up the role and will engage with families as her first priority.
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt earlier this week claimed the Department of Health had scored 'an own goal' in not appointing Ockenden earlier, suggesting officials thought 'she is too independent'. NHS England said the current team will publish its interim findings today and step down to allow Ockenden's team to take over with new terms of reference.
