Review into Failing Nottingham Maternity Services Now Launched

Following confirmation that Donna Ockenden will chair the inquiry in the maternity services at Nottingham, news has finally broken that the review has launched today. The inquiry will look into concerns from 2006 to 2021, covering a huge 15 year period.

The primary objective of both Ms Ockenden and the affected families is to ensure that the review will bring about both real and swift change. Ms Ockenden has noted that her momentum revolves around ensuring that the vital improvements are made “as quickly as possible and in a way that means those improvements are sustained”.It has been confirmed that the review will look into cases on an individual basis to consider whether they were adequately investigated by the Trust at the time they occurred, and whether the lessons which needed to be learnt were properly identified and taken on board to stop the same devastating outcomes happening to further families.

Jane Williams, Head of Clinical Negligence for the East Midlands and North East at Freeths has stated, “The appointment of Ms Ockenden brings not only experience, transparency but finally a voice to help address our clients' concerns and ensure that the maternity service improves, and lessons are finally learnt.”

With the current figures showing that there were a total of 207 claims against NUH maternity services between 2006 and 2021, there is a call for as many families as possible to take part in the enquiry in order to ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed. As the number of affected families is thought to be much greater than 207, it is expected that the review will take around 18 months to complete. Although a lengthy process, our clients are relieved that the actions they've been fighting for over a number of years are finally being carried out.

As clinical negligence lawyers we represent a number of families and children who have suffered or have lost loved ones as a result of failures in medical care during labour and birth. These claims seek to ensure that any child who has suffered a preventable injury can access the services they require such as care, therapy, aids and equipment, and suitably adapted accommodation which may assist them during their lives. We can also help secure an apology from the Trust responsible and seek to ensure the same mistakes are not made again.

If you or a loved one have similar concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, confidential discussion.

To find recent news relation to this topic:

Review into Nottingham NHS maternity failings launches - BBC News

Nottingham maternity review to get underway as families seek answers - Nottinghamshire Live (nottinghampost.com)