The unearthing of serious concerns within Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust continues to unfold, as a widening investigation into alleged misconduct now spans both maternity services and mortuary practices. Two individuals, aged 55 and 59, have been released on bail following their arrest on Monday in connection with suspected misconduct in a public office.
The men, who were taken into custody by Nottinghamshire Police as part of Operation Perth, face allegations of impropriety within the mortuary service at NUH. The operation, launched in 2023, is probing multiple aspects of maternity care following reports of hundreds of baby deaths and serious injuries. A separate independent review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden into NUH's maternity services has been underway since September 2022 and covers approximately 2,500 cases.
NUH operates mortuary services at the Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital, which are regulated and licensed by the Human Tissue Authority. The body ensures that human tissue and organs are used safely and ethically, a responsibility mirrored in the broader police inquiry into NUH's operational practices.
The bail conditions imposed on the two men underscore the ongoing scrutiny of NUH and its various services. As the investigation continues to uncover potential wrongdoing, it remains to be seen whether these findings will contribute towards broader reforms within the Trust or healthcare system at large.