Anthony May, the chief executive of Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, has expressed that he was deeply distressed by the findings of the largest maternity review in the history of the NHS. The report, which focuses on the trust, identified widespread systemic failures that led to the deaths of numerous infants and caused significant harm to many mothers.
Lead reviewer Donna Ockenden noted that nearly 520 cases resulted in outcomes that were potentially avoidable. Her findings also highlighted a toxic, bullying workplace atmosphere that discouraged staff from raising concerns, with Ockenden noting that certain influential leaders had negatively impacted the unit. Over 2,500 families and 800 current and former staff members participated in the inquiry, which formally began in September 2022.
May described the publication of the report as a turning point, noting a renewed determination to implement every essential recommendation, including Martha’s Rule. He acknowledged that the trust has not always met expectations regarding the accountability of staff for past failings. To address this, the government has introduced measures where former or current NHS staff who refuse to cooperate with future inquiries could face imprisonment for up to two years.
Labour MP Michelle Welsh, who experienced birth trauma at the trust, will head a newly established Learning and Improvement Board. While some affected families are pushing for a national statutory public inquiry, May emphasized that listening to those who suffered remains central to the trust’s path toward meaningful improvement.
