Nottingham Maternity Scandal

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Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

Ockenden Review Reveals Shocking Maternity Negligence – Nottingham University Hospitals (NHS Trust)

The Ockenden Review has released a scathing report on the Nottingham maternity scandal which highlights the devastating impact of substandard maternity care involving more than 2500 families. This occurred under the Nottingham University Hospitals (NHS Trust) between 2012 and 2025. Chairing the review, Donna Ockenden FRSA said in her detailed report, “The loss of, or serious harm, to a baby or mother during childbirth is an immeasurable heart-breaking experience that leaves profound and lasting wounds”.

She further revealed details of the harrowing harm and grief caused to families through NHS failures and the “startling statistic” that clinical negligence in 2024/2025 cost the NHS “almost the same in legal compensation as it spends on the delivery of maternity care itself”.

Ms Ockenden also expressed concern in her report as to the total negligence cost of £4.9bn to NHS in 2024/25 of which maternity cases amounted to 51% of the total.

Clinical negligence occurs when avoidable harm is caused by substandard medical care which directly causes harm which would otherwise have been avoided.

The Failures in Maternity Care

The Ockenden report, which is the largest review in NHS history, found that not only were babies harmed or died, but that there was also a “toxic, bullying culture” and a failure to listen to parents.

Affected families and parents who spoke out included Dr Jack Hawkins whose daughter Harriet died stillborn. Speaking at a press conference, Dr Hawkins described their 10-year campaign to investigate what happened to his baby daughter was “relentless and unbearable”.

Another father, Gary Andrews spoke about his daughter Wynter, who died 23 minutes after birth. He said that had staff listened to their concerns, “Wynter would still be here, and her brother would not be looking at a gravestone”.

Failures relating to the maternity negligence included the inability of staff to carry out basic, mandatory training, as well as insufficient staff, while there was also a “persistent failure” to listen to the parents, as well as to investigate what had gone wrong.

Martha’s Rule to be Rolled Out

The UK’s Health Secretary, James Murray apologised to families for the failings and has said safety initiative, Martha’s Rule will be rolled out in all maternity settings across England. Martha’s Rule is an initiative where parents may request a rapid review by an independent medical team if a baby’s medical condition is deteriorating. It was established after 13-year-old Martha Mills died from sepsis in hospital in 2021. This was after she had fallen off her bike and was admitted for a pancreatic injury.

Mr Murray said he had met with the families and heard first-hand about what had happened. He said, “Donna Ockenden’s review lays bare a culture where too many opportunities to prevent harm were missed and too many lives were lost.”

The NHS also launched the Early Notification (EN) Scheme which focuses on an enhanced family engagement process for babies born on or after 1 October 2023. This scheme received 126 cases in 2023/24.

FAQs: Steps to Start a Maternity Negligence Claim

The tragic outcomes in the Ockenden Review has put the spotlight on to maternity negligence which could have been prevented. The NHS has paid out millions over maternity failings at Nottingham Hospitals. If similar has happened to you, here’s our guide on how to start a maternity negligence claim:

What is the first step in starting a maternity negligence claim in the UK?

The first step is to seek legal advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor. A solicitor assesses whether your experience meets the legal test for negligence. This would involve a breach of duty that directly caused avoidable harm to you or your baby. This early assessment helps you understand whether you have a viable claim and what evidence you will need.

What evidence do I need before making a claim?

You need clear, organised evidence that shows what went wrong and how it caused harm. This usually includes:

• Medical records:  maternity notes, scans, CTG traces, neonatal records, and GP notes are all crucial for a clinical negligence claim.
• Witness statements: your account and statements from partners or family present at the birth
• Photographs or diaries: documenting injuries, symptoms, or delays in treatment
• Financial evidence: receipts for travel, treatment, childcare, or lost earnings

Your solicitor will request your medical records on your behalf and help you gather everything needed.

How long do I have to start a maternity negligence claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence or the date you first realised something went wrong. However, for children, the three‑year limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. This means you can bring a claim on behalf of your child at any time before they turn 21. If the child lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.

If you think you may be close to the deadline, take urgent legal advice.

What happens after I contact a solicitor?

The process once you contact a solicitor, they will:

• Review your case and assess whether negligence likely occurred
• Request your medical records from the NHS or private provider
• Instruct independent medical experts to analyse what went wrong
• Calculate your damages, including physical injury, emotional trauma, and financial losses
• Send a Letter of Claim to the hospital or trust

This process builds the foundation of your case and is structured to build strong evidence.

Do I need to pay upfront to start a maternity negligence claim?

We partner with clinical negligence solicitors who offer No Win, No Fee agreements. This means you do not pay anything upfront, and you only pay legal fees if your claim succeeds. Your solicitor will explain the funding agreement clearly before they start working on your case.

Will my claim go to court?

Most claims settle without a court hearing. However, if the NHS or private provider denies responsibility, your solicitor may issue court proceedings to protect your position. Even then, cases often settle before trial and court is usually a last resort.

What compensation can I claim for maternity negligence?

Compensation aims to put you back in the position, as far as possible, which you would have been in if the negligence had not occurred. You may claim for:

• Pain and suffering
• Future care needs
• Loss of earnings
• Therapy and rehabilitation
• Specialist equipment
• Home adaptations

For severe birth injuries, compensation can reach several million pounds to cover lifelong care.

How long does a maternity negligence claim take?

Some medical negligence claims can be complex cases involving severe birth injuries. These may take several years because they require a number of expert reports and may require long-term prognosis assessments.

How We Can Help

If you or your baby has suffered harm due to clinical negligence, our team can guide you through the process of how to claim compensation during this difficult time. We work with solicitors who are highly experienced in maternity negligence. They offer a free, initial consultation and No Win, No Fee agreements.

📞 Call us at 0333 358 3034
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This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.