Story perspectives

Trust hires 2,000 midwives, invests £149 M ahead of inquiry

6/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Trust chief executive Anthony May announced a recruitment drive for 2,000 midwives and a £149 million safety investment.
The Ockenden maternity inquiry, reviewing care for 2,500 families, will publish findings on 24 June 2026 after more than 800 staff cited understaffing, inadequate training and equipment as causes of neonatal deaths and bullying.
The Care Quality Commission raised the trust’s rating to requires improvement after it pledged to address racism and systemic failures.

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Story summary

Trust chief executive Anthony May announced a recruitment drive for 2,000 midwives and a £149 million safety investment.
The Ockenden maternity inquiry, reviewing care for 2,500 families, will publish findings on 24 June 2026 after more than 800 staff cited understaffing, inadequate training and equipment as causes of neonatal deaths and bullying.
The Care Quality Commission raised the trust’s rating to requires improvement after it pledged to address racism and systemic failures.