An independent inquiry led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden publishes findings from what is described as the largest maternity review in NHS history, focusing on Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Multiple outlets report the review examines care provided to mothers and newborn babies at Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital over more than a decade, with detailed scrutiny of 2,500 cases covering the period 2012 to 2015. The review concludes there were “systemic” and “deep-rooted” failures, and it identifies a harmful workplace culture that includes bullying. Several reports also describe disrespectful and dismissive attitudes toward women and cite racism as a factor in how some patients were treated.
According to the coverage, more than 500 mothers and babies experienced outcomes described as potentially avoidable, including deaths and serious harm. One report states 444 women and 76 newborn babies had “potentially avoidable” outcomes linked to substandard treatment. The inquiry outlines missed opportunities for appropriate care and indicates that some stillbirths may have been avoidable. BBC and other outlets summarize the report’s overall conclusion that multiple problems in maternity services contributed to severe negative outcomes and that improvements are required.
