Nottingham Maternity Review: Hope for parents as Donna Ockenden meets families

Following the publication of the long-awaited report by Donna Ockenden regarding the maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, there has been national concerns raised over the maternity service in the UK.

An announcement has been made that Ms Ockenden will be investigating maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Irwin Mitchell represents a number of families concerned about their care under the Trust. 

The families affected by maternity issues say they have been given hope after meeting the former senior midwife on the 11 July.

There were numerous families who were instrumental in securing the review into Nottingham and advised it was a helpful meeting and they do feel the review carried out by Ms Ockenden will be everything they hope it will be.

Review aims to give families a voice

Ms Ockenden has said she was honoured to be approached by the families to lead the review of maternity services in Nottingham and then deeply honoured to be asked by NHS England to chair this review.

She goes on to say they will be working on the terms of reference in the background, that will be the framework which guides them as to what they must complete as part of the Nottingham work. Ms Ockenden advises that the family voices were at the heart of her previous investigation, something she planned to replicate in Nottingham.

Ms Ockenden added that the ultimate aim was to make sure that the performance of the Trust's maternity service in Nottingham improved as quickly as possible so that families could once again have confidence and pride in the safety of the maternity services.

National concerns over maternity care

It was highlighted during the maternity scandal at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust that concerns remained nationally over the maternity services. As we continue to support families nationally while campaigning for improved care, we hope that lasting change is achieved and much-needed answers are provided to all families involved.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell’s expertise in supporting families affected by maternity care issues at our dedicated birth injuries section. 

Nottingham families affected by maternity failings say they have been given hope after meeting the midwife in charge of a new review. Donna Ockenden met with parents, some of whom had babies who died or suffered serious injuries, in the city on Monday, July 11.”