Ockenden report finds over 500 mothers and babies harmed at Nottingham NHS trust
7 reported
A major independent review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has found that more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed due to inadequate care over a 13-year period. The 401-page report, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, examined 444 women and 76 newborn babies who suffered “potentially avoidable” outcomes. The review investigated the deaths of 27 mothers between 2006 and 2024, identifying failures in care that may have substantially impacted the outcome in six deaths. Ockenden stated there was a “persistent failure to listen to and believe mothers and fathers” and described a “toxic culture” at the trust. The report highlighted recurring failings including poor monitoring of babies during labour, misinterpretation of health readings, and midwives not escalating urgent cases to doctors. Trust chair Nick Carver and chief executive Anthony May issued an open letter apologizing “unreservedly” and accepting responsibility for the failings.
What’s reported
More than 500 mothers and babies came to harm or died as a result of inadequate care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The review found 444 women and 76 newborn babies suffered “potentially avoidable” outcomes over 13 years.
The report investigated the deaths of 27 mothers between 2006 and 2024, identifying failures in care that may have substantially impacted the outcome in six deaths.
Ockenden said there was a “persistent failure to listen to and believe mothers and fathers” and a failure to investigate mistakes.
The report described a “toxic culture” with bullying normalized, speaking up dangerous, and governance shaped by self-protection.
Recurring failings included poor fetal monitoring, misinterpretation of CTG traces, failure to recognize fetal distress, and midwives not escalating cases to doctors.
Trust chair Nick Carver and chief executive Anthony May apologized “unreservedly” in an open letter.
Key figures
Donna Ockenden, senior midwife and chair of the independent review
Nick Carver, chair of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Anthony May, chief executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Sources: The Guardian
