Review of Nottingham Hospitals Finds Avoidable Harm in 260 Cases and Prompts Government Reforms

A review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust found that deep-rooted systemic failures caused hundreds of mothers and babies to die or suffer harm. The independent review led by Donna Ockenden examined 444 maternity cases and 76 neonatal cases up to May 2025. Different care may have altered the outcome for 260 babies who died or were harmed, the review concluded.

It also identified a bullying and toxic culture at the trust and a persistent failure to listen to mothers and fathers. Gary Andrews, whose daughter Wynter died 23 minutes after being born in 2019, said that if concerns had been listened to there would be hundreds of babies still alive. Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet was stillborn in 2016, said the cover-up was horrific.

Health Secretary James Murray apologized on behalf of the NHS. He said the government would take immediate steps including expanding Martha's Rule and that no options are off the table regarding a statutory public inquiry across England. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust accepted responsibility for the failings and apologized.

The trust stated that important changes have been made while acknowledging more work remains.