A comprehensive investigation into maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is nearing its conclusion. The report, which is the largest of its kind in the history of the National Health Service, is expected to reveal deep-seated issues that resulted in infant deaths and preventable injuries. Led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, the review incorporates contributions from approximately 2,500 families and over 800 staff members since its inception in September 2022.
While the review is set for publication on Wednesday, a parallel criminal probe titled Operation Perth remains ongoing. This police investigation includes a corporate manslaughter case centered on the trust. Authorities recently arrested two individuals on suspicion of misconduct within the hospital’s mortuary services, though police noted these arrests were distinct from the manslaughter inquiry.
For many families, such as Jack and Sarah Hawkins, the publication is a significant milestone in a long campaign for truth. The Hawkins family, who lost their daughter Harriet in 2016, emphasized that many relatives are primarily seeking justice to clear their children’s names and hold the institution accountable. Other families, including Gary and Sarah Andrews, whose daughter Wynter died shortly after birth in 2019, have echoed these calls for systemic change. They argue that the burden of fighting for answers should not fall on grieving parents.
Regulatory bodies, including the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, are currently reviewing numerous individual cases involving staff members linked to the trust. These assessments, ranging from initial inquiries to full fitness-to-practise investigations, reflect the scale of the oversight required to address the failures identified between April 2012 and May 2025.
