70 families involved in Nottingham University Hospitals Trust maternity inquiry

Almost to the day that the terrible conclusions of the Ockenden Inquiry were published, it was announced that 70 families will take part in a similar investigation into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH).

The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England are jointly leading the review of maternity incidents, complaints and concerns at the trust.

The stated aim of the investigation is to 'drive rapid improvements to maternity services' after an investigation found 46 babies suffered brain damage and 19 were stillborn at the trust between 2010 and 2020.

Cathy Purt, programme director of the review, said that 70 families had come forward and 19 families had had their first interview.

Maternity services at the trust are currently rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission, with the aim to be rated 'good' by 2024. A major problem for the trust is the rapid turnover of midwives, many who are leaving the profession altogether.

Legal support for families affected

Fieldfisher's medical negligence team currently represents three families affected by failings in care at the NUH, one involving a stillbirth, one baby brain-injured and one involving injury to the mother during maternity care.

If you are affected by events at NUH and would benefit from initial legal advice, please contact any of the medical negligence team for a confidential discussion.