A critical report released Wednesday has exposed a maternity care scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, revealing that over 500 mothers and infants suffered preventable harm or death. The investigation, which is the largest of its kind in the history of the National Health Service, reviewed cases involving 2,500 families between 2012 and 2025.
The inquiry identified the deaths of 156 babies and six mothers across two hospital units. Author Donna Ockenden described a toxic environment within the trust, driven by a small group of influential staff members. Her findings highlight systemic failures, including cover-ups and a disregard for parental concerns.
Sarah and Jack Hawkins, who lost their daughter Harriet in 2016, emphasized that their warnings were repeatedly ignored and that officials actively withheld the truth. Similarly, Gary Andrews recalled how his family’s concerns were dismissed by staff. Health Minister James Murray addressed parliament, labeling the report chilling and pledging a government-led action plan to address the neglect, incompetence, and discrimination unearthed by the investigation.
