Nottingham maternity scandal set to be biggest in NHS – as ‘disregarded’ families demand apology
The number of deaths and injuries to newborn babies and mothers in Nottingham is set to be the biggest maternity scandal in the NHS.
More than 1,700 cases of possible harm are now being examined at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The independent midwife leading the investigation, Donna Ockenden, has told Sky News: “I’ve seen an awful lot of evidence that local Nottinghamshire families were simply not listened to.
“They were disregarded, they were pushed away and the door was closed. And with that culture learning is going to be lost.”
Addressing a public meeting that was attended by bereaved families, the chair of the trust admitted patients had been let down.
Nick Carver said: “For too long we have failed to listen to women and families who have been affected by failings in our maternity services.
“This ‘brick wall’ has caused additional pain, and this must change.
“Families should not have to fight to get the answers they deserve and we are committed to gaining their trust, and the trust of all our communities by listening and engaging with them.
“Some families who we have had the chance to meet have told us they want a meaningful apology, that they recognise as meeting their needs, including accountability and a change in the culture. We will work with them and other families to make that happen.”
Donna Ockenden said families were ‘simply not listened to’
Families ‘never brought their baby home’
Updating the meeting on the progress of the investigation by her team of experts, Ms Ockenden said: “I know there are families who never brought their baby home.
“Or babies who did come home, but died very shortly afterwards.
“And I know that there are little boys and girls out there in Nottinghamshire today without their mummy as we all celebrate the end of the school year.
“I know there are women living with life changing harm. And how do I know that this is true? Because I have met those families.”
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‘There is a disparity … tackle it’
Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet was stillborn at Nottingham City Hospital in 2016, has been among the parents who have helped uncover the scale of failings at the trust.
“We’re talking about empty car seats, we’re talking about tiny white coffins, you know and this was all preventable,” she told Sky News.
“I feel basically we haven’t been able to grieve Harriet, it’s just been this continuous fight. And also it’s just emotional as well.”
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Ms Hawkins added: “Today it’s a bittersweet moment.
“I’m hopeful that what they say is right and the brick wall will come down and they will listen to families.
“I’m holding on to that hope but I’m also holding onto the hope of seeing some action from those words too.”
Assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after the bill was backed by MPs in a historic vote.
Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received 330 yes votes compared to 275 noes at its second reading in the House of Commons – a majority of 55.
Politics Live: MPs voting on historic assisted dying legislation
The bill would allow adults who are terminally ill with just six months left to live to request medical assistance to end their lives.
Today’s result means the legislation will now progress to the committee stage for scrutiny, with the Lords also to be given opportunities to express their views on the measure before it potentially becomes law.
MPs were given a free vote – meaning they could side with their conscience and not along party lines, with the government staying neutral on the matter.
The division list showed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the proposal, as did Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
But other cabinet members like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood voted against the bill, having previously warned about vulnerable people being coerced and of a “slippery slope of death on demand”.
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MPs debate assisted dying
The vote came after a five-hour debate in the chamber, which drew emotional arguments on both sides.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell revealed he changed his mind on assisted dying after finding himself with “tears pouring down my face” on hearing the stories of constituents whose loved ones had died “in great pain and great indignity”.
On the other side of the argument, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said assisted dying could result in sick people “feeling like a burden” on society, adding: ” I can imagine myself saying that in particular circumstances.”
She warned: “If this bill passes, we will have the NHS as a fully-funded 100% suicide service but palliative care will only be funded at 30% at best.”
Bill about ‘choice and dignity’
Opening the debate on the topic, Labour backbencher Ms Leadbeater said the bill was about giving dying people “choice, autonomy, and dignity” – saying the current law was “failing” them.
Kim Leadbeater: PA
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She has insisted her bill contains “the most robust safeguards” of any assisted dying legislation in the word.
This includes two independent doctors having to approve the decision, followed by a high-court judge, with the person having to administer the drugs themselves.
The legislation also includes a maximum 14-year prison sentence for anyone who coerces someone into requesting assisted dying or taking the medicine.
Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby after the vote, an emotional Ms Leadbeater said she was “incredibly proud” of the result and parliament must now “take on board everything that’s been discussed in the chamber”, including the state of palliative care and the rights of disabled people.
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