Ockenden report live: major NHS maternity review finds hundreds of deaths and serious injuries at ‘toxic’ trust

Senior midwife Donna Ockenden investigated stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths, and babies or mothers who suffered brain damage and other injuries

‘Truly horrific’: five stories from the NHS maternity scandal

The press conference on the Ockenden inquiry has begun, you can watch live here:

Paula Sussex, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman, said the report “adds to an overwhelming body of evidence that maternity services are failing women and families in ways that are repeated and preventable”.

For years, reviews have highlighted the same issues – failures in communication, not listening, delays in diagnosis, and poor postnatal care. Yet too often these warnings and any lessons have not translated into lasting improvement, resulting in repeated harm.

While many NHS staff work tirelessly to provide excellent care, every woman and baby deserves safe, compassionate care, every time. It is vital now that we focus on fixing the service. NHS leaders must ensure these findings lead to real, sustained action across all Trusts.
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