The Terms of Reference for an independent review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) have been published. This follows repeated maternity failures at one of Europe's largest teaching hospitals.
The review, chaired by Donna Ockenden, will place the experiences of women, babies, and families who were harmed at the centre of its investigation. It will cover care delivered from January 1, 2011, through to March 31, 2028, specifically focusing on instances of severe harm or death, including stillbirths, maternal deaths (including by suicide), and some babies admitted to neonatal units.
Families affected by care at LTHT have provided detailed feedback that has shaped these Terms of Reference and will continue to be involved as the review progresses. Clinical case reviews are set to commence in November, with the full review anticipated to conclude by 2029. The aim is to identify concerns, make recommendations to improve safety, quality, and equity, and establish the truth for those affected.