Last night’s BBC Panorama programme, Maternity Failures: The Fight for Justice, brought renewed national attention to the ongoing maternity scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). The Trust is now at the centre of the largest maternity inquiry in NHS history. The programme featured harrowing accounts from bereaved parents, former staff members and campaigners who have spent years seeking answers about avoidable deaths and injuries affecting mothers and babies.
The independent review, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, is examining around 2,500 cases involving maternity care provided by NUH over more than a decade. It is investigating concerns including stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and serious birth injuries.
The Panorama investigation reported allegations of a deeply concerning culture within parts of the Trust’s maternity services. Former staff members described instances in which mothers’ concerns were allegedly dismissed, while documents reportedly revealed offensive terminology being used to refer to women attending maternity services. Families featured in the programme spoke of repeated missed opportunities to identify complications, delays in treatment, and failures to listen when they raised concerns about their babies’ wellbeing.
One of the most distressing aspects of the Panorama investigation was the number of mothers who described their concerns being dismissed when they sought help.
Sarah Andrews, whose daughter Wynter died shortly after birth, told Panorama that despite experiencing severe pain and frequent contractions weeks before her due date, she was repeatedly reassured that she was "fine". When she was eventually admitted to hospital, staff discovered that her baby's heart rate was dropping. Wynter died just 20 minutes after birth. Sarah later reflected on the devastating impact of her experience, saying: "I felt I'd be better off dead."
Donna Ockenden, who is leading the independent review into Nottingham’s maternity services, has spoken publicly about concerns regarding attitudes towards some women within the service.
Speaking about evidence gathered during the review, she said there was an “ongoing thing” that South Asian women were perceived as complaining more about pain. Ms Ockenden rejected that explanation, stating: “I don’t think it was cultural differences at all: I think it was just discrimination.”
The Nottingham maternity investigation has already become one of the most significant patient safety inquiries ever undertaken within the NHS. Previous investigations and regulatory action have identified serious failings in maternity care, and the Care Quality Commission successfully prosecuted the Trust in relation to failures affecting several mothers and babies.
The Trust has publicly apologised to affected families and acknowledged that maternity care failures caused significant harm. Ahead of the Panorama broadcast, NUH Chief Executive Anthony May stated: “We failed them, and for that I am sincerely sorry.” The Trust says improvements have been made and that it continues to work closely with the Ockenden Review.
For many families affected by maternity failings, obtaining answers can be a long and emotionally difficult process. Internal hospital investigations and complaints procedures do not always provide a full explanation of what happened or whether care fell below acceptable standards.
A specialist medical negligence solicitor can help families to:
While no legal claim can undo the devastation caused by the loss of a baby or a serious birth injury, the legal process can play an important role in uncovering the truth, achieving accountability, and helping families access the support they need for the future.
If you believe that you or your baby suffered harm as a result of substandard maternity care, it is important to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors can assess your circumstances, explain your options, and help you understand whether a claim may be possible.
To speak to a member of our team, contact us today on 01429 225200.
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