Trust Accepts Findings
The chief executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Anthony May, has expressed shock and sadness following the publication of a major maternity review. The report uncovered serious failings in maternity care and described them as deeply rooted systemic problems.
The independent review examined maternity services at the trust and found that hundreds of babies and mothers suffered avoidable harm over several years. It is considered the largest maternity review ever carried out within the NHS.
Anthony May said the findings were upsetting, even though investigators had regularly shared updates throughout the review process. He also praised the families who came forward and shared their experiences to help improve maternity care for future patients.
Hundreds of Cases Showed Avoidable Harm
The review involved around 2,500 families and more than 800 current and former staff members. Investigators studied hundreds of maternity cases and identified significant concerns.
According to the findings, 520 cases had outcomes that may have been avoided with better care. The report also stated that improved treatment could have changed the outcome for 260 babies. This group included babies who died and others who suffered serious brain injuries linked to poor standards of care.
The review concluded that failures in leadership, communication, and clinical practices contributed to many of these outcomes.
Toxic Workplace Culture Raised Serious Concerns
Investigators also highlighted a toxic workplace culture within the maternity unit. Staff reported experiences of bullying and fear, which discouraged some employees from speaking up about safety concerns.
The report suggested that a small number of influential leaders contributed to the negative culture. As a result, important concerns were not always addressed quickly or effectively.
Review leader Donna Ockenden stressed the importance of creating an open and supportive environment where staff feel confident raising concerns about patient safety.
Trust Commits to Immediate Improvements
Following the publication of the report, the trust board formally accepted all findings and recommendations. Leaders have committed to implementing every essential action outlined in the review.
Anthony May described the report as a turning point for the organization. He said the trust remains focused on learning from past mistakes and delivering safer maternity care.
He also confirmed his intention to remain in his role for the next two years to oversee the improvement programme. The trust plans to strengthen patient safety measures, improve staff accountability, and rebuild public confidence in its maternity services.
Families’ Voices Driving Change
Families affected by the maternity failings played a central role in the review. Many shared difficult personal experiences in the hope that future parents and babies would receive better care.
Their contributions helped investigators identify key areas for improvement and highlighted the urgent need for lasting change across maternity services.
The trust now faces the challenge of turning recommendations into action and ensuring similar failures do not happen again.
