A harrowing picture of neglect and poor care has emerged from an independent review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). The report by Donna Ockenden details shocking instances where mothers, babies, and their families have suffered, including a woman who endured six days of labour at home before receiving surgery, and another whose bladder was accidentally removed during an emergency hysterectomy by a student doctor. Furthermore, the remains of a baby were inappropriately disposed of as clinical waste.
The review highlights a 'toxic' workplace culture and severe staff shortages as contributing factors to substandard care. Moreover, nearly half of NUH's senior staff chose not to participate in the inquiry, raising questions about accountability within the trust. This report is the culmination of years of tireless campaigning by victims and survivors who have fought for answers and justice following the deaths and injuries of their loved ones.
The Ockenden review reveals a disturbing trend: pregnant women are frequently dismissed, disempowered, or blamed when they voice concerns about their health. Many reported feeling ignored or minimised, with some having their worries attributed to 'maternal anxiety'. This phenomenon is described as 'gaslighting' in the report.
One healthcare professional was overheard saying, "If we listened to every mother's concerns, we'd be overrun." However, Gary Andrews, whose son Wynter died due to a lack of oxygen to the brain in what was deemed an obvious case of neglect, countered this by stating that listening to mothers could have saved countless lives. This echoes the sentiments of many women who have experienced substandard maternity care, highlighting a systemic issue where women's knowledge of their bodies is often disregarded.
The Ockenden report has significant implications for the entire NHS, raising concerns about the quality of maternity services across England and Wales. NHS data shows that in 2022-23, there were over 583,000 live births in England and Wales. It is crucial that mothers and babies receive high-quality, safe care. The report underscores the pressing need for a culture where patients' voices are valued, respected, and listened to.
This report follows previous reviews of maternity services across the UK, including the Ockenden Review into Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust in 2022. The repeated findings suggest a deeper issue within some parts of the NHS maternity system that requires urgent attention and reform.