Police investigating Shropshire maternity failings to begin interviewing staff
West Mercia police will interview current and former members of staff
Last updated 19th Jun 2025
Police have confirmed an investigation into maternity services at two hospitals in Shropshire has started interviewing current and former members of staff.
West Mercia police launched investigation in June 2020, exploring whether there is evidence to support a criminal case against The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust in relation to maternity services and provision.
It is after review by senior midwife Donna Ockenden found there had been catastrophic failings.
The trust has since said it recognises it is important people get "the answers they have waited for".
"constantly learning and consistently improving"
In a statement, Jo Williams, Chief Executive for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We are truly sorry for the harm caused to those families who rightfully expected a safe experience under our care, and who were let down by us.
“We know how important it is for the families and our communities to receive the answers they have waited for. We are fully cooperating with the police to support the integrity of their investigation.
“We are committed to providing a responsive maternity service for our communities and our staff that is open, kind, constantly learning and consistently improving.”
The Ockenden Review was established by NHS England in May 2022, following significant concerns raised regarding the quality and safety of maternity services and concerns of local families.
It has since examined maternity practices at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust over a period of 20 years.
Following commencement of the review in 2017, the number of family cases to be considered has increased from the original 23 to 1,862, with the majority of incidents occurring between the years 2000 to 2019.
"seeking answers"
Superintendent Carl Moore said: “We have updated families this week that a new phase of our investigation has begun.
"This includes carrying out witness interviews with current and former members of staff at the Trust.
“Our investigation remains active with a focused and dedicated team.
"At the heart of this, there are a number of bereaved families seeking answers as to what happened to their loved ones, and we are committed to ensuring that the families involved are fully informed at each stage of our enquiries.”
Following its most recent inspection of the Trust in 2023, the CQC’s published report (2024) rated the maternity services as ‘good’ overall.