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Ockenden Review Finds 156 Baby Deaths, Manslaughter Probe Launched

6/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Ockenden review found failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust caused 520 avoidable harms, including 156 baby deaths.
Health Secretary James Murray will present the findings to Parliament to shape a national maternal and neonatal safety plan.
Police Operation Perth has launched a manslaughter probe and arrested two men over mortuary practices at the trust.

History

Historical Context

The 1998–2001 Bristol Royal Infirmary inquiry, chaired by Sir Ian Kennedy, exposed systemic failures in paediatric cardiac surgery and led to the creation of the Healthcare Commission and broader NHS safety reforms. A recent review of Nottingham University Hospitals has raised similar concerns, prompting the health secretary to launch a new safety plan.

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Story summary

The Ockenden review found failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust caused 520 avoidable harms, including 156 baby deaths.
Health Secretary James Murray will present the findings to Parliament to shape a national maternal and neonatal safety plan.
Police Operation Perth has launched a manslaughter probe and arrested two men over mortuary practices at the trust.

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