- A damning inquiry into the Nottingham maternity scandal has revealed hundreds of babies died or suffered brain injuries, and mothers were catastrophically harmed over more than a decade at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).
- The inquiry, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, uncovered over 500 cases of potentially avoidable harm, including 94 stillbirths, 62 neo-natal deaths, 120 babies with brain injuries, and the deaths of six mothers.
- The 400-page report found that NUH leaders were aware of serious issues in the maternity department for years but failed to take action, fostering a culture where women and staff faced cruel behaviour, gaslighting and bullying.
- Failures identified include poor monitoring of babies, incorrect CTG interpretation, a lack of recognition of foetal distress, and a culture prior to 2017 of not admitting women in labour, perceiving them as 'bed-blocking'.
- The inquiry made recommendations for systemic change, including calls for adequate funding, while the Department for Health and Social Care pledged to roll out Martha's Rule to all maternity settings in England; a police investigation into the scandal is also ongoing.
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