Full Breakdown
Arrests Linked to Mortuary Practices at Nottingham University Hospitals Amid Maternity Inquiry
6/22/2026, 11:19:51 PM
Mortuary Service Arrests Under Operation Perth
Nottinghamshire Police detained two men, aged 55 and 59, on 22 June 2026 on suspicion of misconduct. The arrests are part of Operation Perth, the police inquiry into the mortuary services run by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust at the Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital. Detectives allege breaches of the Human Tissue Act in the mortuary’s management and operating practices.
Background and Timeline
Operation Perth was launched in April 2024 to probe systemic failures in NUH’s maternity services linked to hundreds of infant deaths and injuries. The independent Ockenden review, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, began in September 2022 and covers about 2,500 cases; its findings are due on 24 June 2026, two days after the arrests.
Key Figures and Agencies
- Rob Griffin – Deputy Chief Constable, Nottinghamshire Police, overseeing Operation Perth.
- Donna Ockenden – Independent senior midwife heading the maternity review.
- NUH NHS Trust – Operates the mortuary under a licence from the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
- GMC and NMC – Conducting parallel investigations into individual staff.
Data Snapshot
The Ockenden review involves roughly 2,500 families and over 800 staff who have provided evidence. NUH has already paid millions of pounds in compensation and fines after earlier prosecutions for substandard care.
Official Statements & Family Concerns
Deputy Chief Constable Griffin said the arrests will be distressing for families and confirmed police have already contacted those identified as directly affected. He highlighted a helpline (0115 844 5002) and email for families seeking support. Families worry the timing, days before the Ockenden report, could worsen an already difficult period.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We recognise this will be particularly distressing for affected families who are part of Operation Perth.” — Rob Griffin, Deputy Chief Constable, Nottinghamshire Police
- “We appreciate that this development comes only a few days before the publication of the Independent Maternity Review, led by Donna Ockenden, which will be an important but difficult time for Families.” — Rob Griffin, Deputy Chief Constable, Nottinghamshire Police
- “If you are one of these families and wish to speak with us, please make contact with us by calling 0115 844 5002 or email OPPerth@Notts.Police.uk.” — Rob Griffin, Deputy Chief Constable, Nottinghamshire Police
- “Operation Perth discovered breaches of regulations of the Human Tissue Act in relation to the management and operating practices of the mortuary services.” — Nottinghamshire Police statement
- “We have contacted the families who we have already identified as being directly impacted by the issues established within the NUH trust mortuaries.” — Rob Griffin, Deputy Chief Constable, Nottinghamshire Police
What’s Next
The Ockenden maternity review will be released on 24 June 2026, detailing NUH’s maternity failures. Operation Perth will continue its criminal probe of mortuary practices, while the GMC and NMC pursue separate inquiries into individual staff conduct.
