Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he was 'appalled' by the tragedies suffered by families as a result of failings at Nottingham hospitals' maternity services. The minister said that the failures at Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital, run by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) "must not happen again".
The minister was speaking shortly after the announcement that senior midwife Donna Ockenden would take charge of a new inquiry into maternity, with NHS England "drawing a line" under the current review. “When I met with the families involved in the review into NUH maternity services recently, I was deeply moved by their experiences and appalled by the tragedies they’ve suffered," said Mr Javid.
"I have listened closely to their concerns and admire the courage they’ve shown throughout the process." Ms Ockenden's appointment comes after more than 100 families wrote to the Health Secretary demanding the change, with some meeting the minister earlier this month.
Read more: Families' 'immense relief' as Donna Ockenden appointed maternity review chair
He said Ms Ockenden would bring a "wealth of experience" to the new review. “These failures should not have happened and must not happen again," continued Mr Javid. "We will do everything we can to ensure no families have to go through the same pain.
“Donna Ockenden did a remarkable job leading the review of Shrewsbury and Telford maternity services and is the right person to lead this crucial independent review, bringing with her a wealth of experience. I want to thank Donna for stepping up to this vital role and look forward to seeing her recommendations for urgent improvements, to ensure lasting change.
“We continue to work with the NHS to take all the steps necessary to ensure women and babies in Nottingham receive the best quality care possible.”
