Lawyers Supporting Families With Maternity Care Concerns As Review Led By Donna Ockenden Announced As UK’s Largest Yet

Specialist lawyers have called for more to be done to address concerns over maternity safety after a review into services in Nottingham was expanded to 1,700 – the UK’s largest inquiry yet.

Donna Ockenden chair of an inquiry into maternity safety has today officially announced that 1,700 families’ cases will be examined by her team.

It comes after approaching 50 babies suffered brain damage and 19 were injured in the city.

Ms Ockenden launched a review into maternity services in Nottingham following a similar inquiry at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust which found more than 200 mothers and babies might have survived, had they received better maternity care.

The review in the East Midlands focuses on Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital.

On Monday 10 July, Nottingham University Hospital (NUH) NHS Trust chairman Nick Carver joined Ms Ockenden and affected families at the Trust’s annual meeting. Mr Carver announced the Trust would plan for ‘an apology on behalf of the board that the families recognise as meaningful.’

Ms Ockenden updated the meeting on the extended reach of the review but warned that ‘what has happened cannot be fixed overnight.’

Law firm Irwin Mitchell represents hundreds of families throughout the country who have been impacted by maternity care issues. This includes in Nottingham, at Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals scandal - where the Ockenden review found catastrophic failings over a 20-year period – as well as other hospitals including in Sheffield and East Kent.

The firm is campaigning for improvements in maternity safety nationally.

Expert Opinion

“Once again the issue of maternity safety is in the spotlight. While today’s announcement and the expansion of the inquiry in Nottingham is worrying, it’s also welcome to ensure that as thorough an investigation as possible is held and all possible areas for care improvements identified.

“We welcome Donna Ockenden’s pledge for a radical review to ensure as many families from all communities feel confident their concerns will be investigated.

“Given the scale of not only this latest inquiry but others across the country, it’s easy to forget that each case represents a devastated life and untold suffering for those families affected.

“In the meantime we continue to support those families we represent to not only provide them with the answers they deserve but so they can also access the specialist support and in some cases, life-long care they require.” Julianne Moore - Partner

Following requests from families, NHS England has now confirmed cases will be dealt with on an ‘opt-out’ rather than ‘opt-in’ basis, with families now having to ‘opt-out’ of giving consent.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by issues in maternity care at our dedicated birth injuries section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 291 1077.