Donna Ockenden, the senior midwife behind the report into the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal, has agreed to urgently investigate concerns about Nottingham Maternity Hospital, reports reveal. In a letter to parents, Ockenden reportedly has said she is “honoured and touched” to have been asked by the families to lead an inquiry.
More than 100 families who have experienced the 'same failures' at Nottingham hospitals' maternity services have sent a letter to Sajid Javid calling for an independent review. Dozens of parents who say their babies have died after mistreatment at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) have asked the Health Secretary to appoint senior midwife Donna Ockenden to carry out an investigation.
The NHS trust, which runs Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital, was served a warning notice by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in March after it again found a number of concerns remained with its maternity department. It follows 46 babies suffering brain damage and 19 being stillborn in the city between 2010 and 2020, resulting in millions of pounds paid out in negligence claims.
Sarah and Jack Hawkins, whose baby Harriet died in the womb in 2016 after a catalogue of errors at City Hospital, said they have been in touch with 117 families who have experienced the "same failings". Representing the families, many of whom were unable to speak due to ongoing action and investigations, the couple told Nottinghamshire Live they had heard stories of "dead babies and extremely traumatic births".
More than 100 families who have experienced the 'same failures' at Nottingham hospitals' maternity services sent a letter to Sajid Javid calling for an independent review. Dozens of parents who say their babies have died after mistreatment at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) have asked the Health Secretary to appoint senior midwife Donna Ockenden to carry out an investigation.
Ockenden’s proposed involvement - which featured on Channel 4 news tonight - would be subject to approval from Sajid Javid. The Department of Health reportedly said it is reviewing the families’ request.
