Full Breakdown
Nottingham Maternity Scandal: Ockenden Review Uncovers Systemic Failures
6/27/2026, 11:52:34 PM
Findings of the Ockenden Review
Donna Ockenden’s independent inquiry, released 26 June 2026, found “deep-rooted, systemic and sustained” failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust that caused hundreds of maternal and neonatal deaths and serious injuries. It highlighted a bullying, toxic culture that silenced staff and a small group of senior leaders who “infected the unit”.
Data & Statistics
BBC figures show 260 babies died or suffered serious brain injury (155 deaths, 105 injuries). Guardian data record 444 women and 76 newborns with “potentially avoidable” outcomes (520 cases). Independent reporting notes over 500 harmed mothers and babies, including 94 stillbirths and 62 neonatal deaths. Around 2,500 families and 800 staff contributed evidence.
Key Figures & Groups
Lead reviewer Donna Ockenden; NUH chief executive Anthony May; Health Secretary James Murray; NUH chair Nick Carver; MP Michelle Welsh, chair of the Learning and Improvement Board; families such as Jack and Sarah Hawkins, Gary and Sarah Andrews; and charities Tommy’s and the Birth Trauma Association.
Official Statements & Responses
Anthony May called the report “shocking and upsetting”, pledged a two-year tenure to oversee corrective actions and confirmed adoption of “Martha’s Rule”. Health Secretary James Murray said a statutory inquiry remains on the agenda and announced nationwide rollout of the rule with penalties for non-cooperation. Nick Carver and May issued an open-letter apology to families.
Criticism & Opposition
Families and charities demand a statutory public inquiry, accusing senior managers of ignoring the review and sustaining a “culture of silence”. The Nottingham Maternity Families group seeks individual accountability for staff and executives; the Birth Trauma Association criticised the trust’s tendency to cover up complaints.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The BBC cites 260 deaths/injuries, the Guardian 520 avoidable-outcome cases, and the Independent over 500 harmed mothers and babies, creating a discrepancy. Some senior staff declined participation, leaving leadership accountability gaps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We never wanted to be campaigners. We are victims. We became campaigners because those responsible for keeping mothers, babies and families safe failed to listen.” — Jack Hawkins, bereaved father
- “As a senior leadership team, as a governance team, they knew.” — Felicity Benyon, mother
- “It is utterly inexcusable that pregnant women seeking help at Nottingham University hospitals NHS trust were in some cases treated so poorly – sometimes with devastating consequences – and that healthcare professionals and families who did as much as they could to flag the risks were ignored.” — Kath Abrahams, chief executive, Tommy’s
- “If we don't listen to them, we won't continue to improve," he said.” — Anthony May, chief executive, NUH
What’s Next
Martha’s Rule will be applied to all English maternity units, a Learning and Improvement Board chaired by Michelle Welsh will monitor progress, and a statutory public inquiry is being prepared. The health-department taskforce aims to publish a national action plan by end-2026.
