Families say new national probe into maternity services 'not good enough'

CALLS FOR FULL PUBLIC INQUIRY AND A MEETING WITH THE PM

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

FAMILIES harmed by Nottingham’s maternity services say a new national investigation into the crisis is “not good enough” and are calling for the Prime Minister to meet them.

One of those affected by inadequate services in Nottingham says he and others will “find it difficult” to take part in the new investigation due to the fear of being “bulldozed” by officials.

The families are renewing their calls for a statutory public inquiry to look at the state of maternity and neonatal care across the country. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said in a speech yesterday the government’s new investigation would report back by Christmas and include insight from families, clinicians and experts.

But given the short amount of time it has to report back and its lack of power to compel witnesses, families harmed in Nottingham say it “will not work” in terms of getting full accountability. The confirmation of a national investigation into maternity services came just days after Mr Streeting visited the city.

The Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH), which runs the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital, is already subject to the largest maternity review in NHS history and a Nottinghamshire Police investigation. Senior midwife Donna Ockenden is leading the review, which now includes around 2,500 families and which is due to deliver its findings in June 2026.

Mr Streeting visited the Nottingham families affected again on Thursday, June 19 and left that meeting with “clear advice” from families. Although his announcement yesterday stopped short of a full public inquiry, Mr Streeting says the national review will “make sure these families get the truth and the accountability they deserve”.

Despite praising the “fantastic” work of Donna Ockenden, families taking part in her review say a national public inquiry is needed to get full accountability both for them and for families affected by poor maternity care across the UK.