Nottinghamshire NHS Trust in corporate manslaughter probe over maternity deaths
It follows a maternity inquiry led by Donna Ockenden, where over 2,500 cases are being reviewed
Last updated 2nd Jun 2025
A Nottinghamshire NHS trust is being investigated for potential offences of corporate manslaughter following deaths and serious injuries related to maternity care.
Nottinghamshire Police launched a criminal investigation in September 2023 after concerns were raised about severe harm allegedly linked to maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).
On Monday, the force said it was looking at whether NUH had been "grossly negligent in the management of its activities" in the lead up to deaths at the trust.
NUH is currently the subject of the largest-ever NHS maternity review, which is being led by former senior midwife Donna Ockenden.
The review includes around 2,000 experiences of maternity care at the trust, including deaths and injuries.
The parents of a baby who was stillborn under the care of the trust said the corporate manslaughter investigation "is just one piece of the jigsaw towards accountability".
Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins, who both used to work for the trust until their daughter Harriet died in 2016, said: "Our lives were completely destroyed by the unimaginable and repeated trauma at the hands of NUH.
"This investigation is just one piece of the jigsaw towards accountability.
"A prosecution for corporate manslaughter will only penalise the trust, not the individuals responsible, many of whom are still working today.
"We must never lose sight of individual accountability for those who so cruelly stole not just our daughter's life and voice but many others.
"We will continue to fight for justice, not only for Harriet, but for all those whose lives have shattered."
Trust Board reiterates commitment to ongoing police investigation
The Chair and Chief Executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) have today reiterated their commitment and full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation into deaths and serious injuries related to maternity care.
Nick Carver, Chair and Anthony May, Chief Executive said:
“It is absolutely right that we take organisational accountability where we have failed women, families and babies.
“We are deeply sorry for the pain and suffering caused. We know that for many families this harm and suffering will be lifelong.
“Since joining the Board, we have emphasised the importance of openness, transparency and accountability in our leadership and decision-making. We recognise that there is more to do.
“Many families have shared their experiences with us, and we remain grateful for their strength and courage after such a harrowing and life affecting tragedy.
“We are fully committed to the ongoing police investigation and the Independent Review of Maternity Services, led by Donna Ockenden.
“We would like to reassure the public that we are determined to improve our maternity services.
“We know how important the police investigation and independent review are for the affected families, the Trust and our local communities. We hope that affected families receive the answers that they deserve.”