The UK government has appointed senior midwife Donna Ockenden to chair an independent review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, following years of safety concerns and alleged failings in care.
The decision, made by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, comes after campaigning by affected parents who have also played a key role in shaping the review. Donna Ockenden was specifically appointed because of her previous experience leading major maternity investigations.
What will the review include?
The independent review will examine a wide range of cases over a 15-year period starting from 2011through to 2025 and will cover stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and serious birth injuries.
It is expected to that there will be an opt out approach which means any of those families affected can choose not to take part.
When does the review start?
Work to define the review’s scope will begin with families in mid-2026, with detailed case reviews expected to start from August this year. Findings and recommendations will be shared on an ongoing basis to support early improvements in maternity and neonatal care.
The investigation will form part of a national effort to improve NHS maternity safety, including a rapid review led by Valerie Amos and the planned establishment of a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce.
Why are independent reviews important?
Independent maternity reviews can play an important role in identifying systemic failings in care and can improve accountability, ultimately helping families gain answers about their experiences.
They can also help NHS trusts strengthen patient safety processes and improve outcomes for mothers and babies in the future.
Clare Langford, a medical negligence partner specialising in birth injury claims, said: “This announcement will mean a great deal to the families who have spent years fighting to have their voices heard. An independent review led by someone with Donna Ockenden’s experience offers real hope that lessons will finally be learned. Expectant mothers and their families deserve care that is safe, compassionate and responsive, and this must now be the priority.”
