The largest maternity review in the history of the NHS is set to be published, shedding light on widespread failings that have led to the tragic deaths of babies and avoidable harm. This comprehensive investigation, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, has involved contributions from approximately 2,500 families and over 800 staff members at Nottingham University Hospital (NUH) NHS Trust since September 2022. The review's publication on Wednesday comes as a police investigation, named Operation Perth, continues. This criminal probe into maternity failings at the trust has already led to the first two arrests, with two men detained on suspicion of misconduct in a public office related to mortuary service practices.
The Ockenden review has uncovered failings at two maternity units within the trust: Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen's Medical Centre. This has sparked a broader investigation by healthcare regulators, including the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), into individual NUH staff members. The review's findings have been particularly poignant for families like the Hawkinses, who lost their daughter Harriet in 2016. Initially, the hospital's internal review dismissed any fault, attributing Harriet's death to an infection. However, the family's persistence in seeking an external review has brought their story to the forefront, highlighting the need for accountability and justice.
Gary and Sarah Andrews' daughter Wynter's tragic death in 2019, just 23 minutes after birth, further underscores the urgency of the situation. The couple's son, Bowie, now four, serves as a stark reminder of the milestones they will never share with Wynter. Gary Andrews emphasized the need for systemic change, stating that the report's publication should serve as a wake-up call for the NHS. Sarah Hawkins, a former NUH employee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional toll on families and the need for justice and accountability.
The NMC and GMC are currently assessing numerous cases related to maternity care at NUH, with the NMC examining 96 'fitness to practise' cases and the GMC reviewing 62 cases. These investigations are crucial in addressing the failings exposed by the Ockenden review and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies. The review's publication and ongoing investigations mark a significant step towards transparency and accountability within the NHS, but the process has been emotionally taxing for those affected, underscoring the importance of support and justice for grieving families.
