Police launch manslaughter case into Nottingham Hospital baby deaths

To date, more than 2500 cases of neonatal deaths, stillbirths and harm to mothers and babies at Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital have been examined by independent midwife Donna Ockenden. And last week a corporate manslaughter investigation was opened into failings that led to hundreds of babies dying, or being injured. Nottinghamshire Police said it was examining whether maternity care provided by the NUH NHS Trust had been grossly negligent.

Establishing Responsibility

Det Supt Matthew Croome, from the investigation team, said. “In such an investigation we are looking to see if the overall responsibility lies with the organisation rather than specific individuals and my investigation will look to ascertain if there is evidence that NUH NHS Trust has committed this offence.”

Parents have welcomed any police action, but see the corporate manslaughter investigation as being just one part of the puzzle. Openness, transparency, accountability and urgent changes are also essential. As is the need to listen to patients when they report that something has gone wrong. Many of those families affected said that their concerns had been initially ignored, which had they been listened to at the time, many more lives could have been saved.

Lessons to be learnt

In May 2022 Donna Ockenden was appointed as Chair of an independent review into maternity services at NUH NHS Trust after significant concerns were raised regarding the quality and safety of its maternity services.

In January 2023, the Trust was fined what was at the time a record £800,000 after admitting to failings in the care of a woman and her baby, who died minutes after being born. Whilst in February 2025, the Trust were fined an additional £1.6m for “avoidable failings” connected to the deaths of three babies in 2021. NUH is the first Trust to be prosecuted more than once for maternity failings.

Whilst after a meeting between Ms Ockenden and the police in August 2023, the police confirmed that they would launch a criminal investigation, which would work alongside the review, into what they have deemed maternity cases of “potentially significant concern.”

Answers and justice

Rachael Flanagan, Head of Medical Negligence and Personal Injury at Alsters Kelley said. “Every pregnant woman should have access to safe, effective and truly personalised maternity care. What is clear is that the standards of care at NUH NHS Trust have fallen far short and urgent action must be taken to ensure a safer service.”

Rachael continued. ” Whatever the corporate manslaughter investigation decides, it’s essential that the Trust commit to a comprehensive improvement programme, not only to staffing, training, communication and equipment, but also to guidelines, record-keeping and transparency. It’s also important that those families affected receive the long-awaited answers that they deserve.”

Free initial meeting for support and advice

At Alsters Kelley, our approach is personal, sensitive, and caring. We understand you may have already suffered harm in the hands of those you put your trust in, which is why we put you at the heart of everything we do. With years of experience, we aim to minimise the impact of the claims process and secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

If you have any concerns about the treatment either you and your baby received and would like help or advice, please contact Rachel Flanagan on 01926 356000 or email rachael.flanagan@alsterskelley.com.