Families affected by the Nottingham maternity scandal have called on the newly appointed health secretary, James Murray, to meet with them before a critical report is published next month. The major review of care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, led by former midwife Donna Ockenden, involves nearly 2,500 families whose lives have been impacted by the deaths or injuries of hundreds of babies.
In a letter sent on Thursday, the families stressed the importance of listening to their experiences, stating that it "must remain at the heart of this process". The findings of Ms Ockenden's review are set to be released on 24 June. The families wrote: "We believe it is vital that you hear directly from those affected before the review concludes, and we ask that you come to Nottingham to meet families, listen to our experiences, and understand the reality behind this report before the findings are shared with Parliament and the public."
The families said they believe the government has a duty to "fully recognise the scale and seriousness of what has happened in Nottingham". They have worked hard to be heard, including meeting regulators, police, MPs and previous health secretaries. Mr Murray's predecessor, Wes Streeting, met affected families last year. The letter added that families have "repeatedly relived the worst moments of their lives" in the hope that changes will be implemented to prevent further harm.
"Some parents now visit the graves of their children. Others live with the reality of watching their children suffer daily pain and life-limiting injuries, knowing that one day they too may be standing beside a tiny grave," the letter said. "Some of those considered 'lucky' enough to have surviving children are themselves living with debilitating, life-changing injuries. These failures do not devastate individuals alone – they destroy entire families."
At a meeting with families earlier this month, Ms Ockenden said: "Families are not just numbers. Behind every number is hurt, harm, trauma, sometimes babies who have died, and children who have been left brain-damaged." She added that change must happen in a "meaningful" and "sustained" way. Nottinghamshire Police is investigating the trust for potential offences of corporate manslaughter over deaths related to maternity services.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "This government remains committed to improving maternity safety. The Ockenden review will provide important learnings to help us ensure they are safe and equitable for every family. The voices of those who have been harmed or bereaved will always be central to this work."
