In a pivotal decision aimed at restoring faith in NHS maternity services, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has appointed Donna Ockenden to chair an independent inquiry into systemic failures at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust. This move, which comes after considerable pressure from bereaved families and local MPs, marks a significant U-turn from Streeting’s initial stance on the inquiry’s leadership. The review will scrutinise the recent history of maternity and neonatal care at the trust, following alarming revelations regarding preventable deaths.
Background to the Inquiry
The inquiry was first announced in October 2025, sparked by reports of serious lapses in the care provided at the trust’s maternity units, particularly at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital. An investigation by the BBC earlier this year uncovered that at least 56 infants and two mothers could have survived had proper care protocols been adhered to. In light of these harrowing findings, the urgency for a thorough and transparent investigation has never been more pressing.
Initially, Ockenden was not selected to lead the inquiry, a decision that faced backlash from the public and families affected by the trust’s failures. However, following renewed calls for her appointment and direct meetings with grieving families, Streeting reassessed the situation and opted for Ockenden’s leadership, a decision welcomed by many.
Families’ Voices and Their Campaign
Families impacted by the tragedies at LTH have been vocal advocates for change, tirelessly campaigning for accountability and improvement in maternity services. Amarjit Kaur Matharoo, who lost her daughter Asees in January 2024, expressed relief at Ockenden’s appointment, noting the long struggle families endured to reach this point. “It had been a really exhausting, long road to get to a point where we’ve got a chair that we all agree upon,” she stated.
Streeting acknowledged the distress families have experienced, stating, “I am sorry to families in Leeds for what they’ve been through and the fact that so often they’ve had to really fight to get to this point.” This recognition of the families’ plight is a critical first step in rebuilding trust between the NHS and those it serves.
Ockenden’s Role and the Review Process
Donna Ockenden, known for her extensive work in maternity care reviews, is currently leading a similar investigation in Nottingham, which has examined around 2,500 cases of maternal and neonatal harm. Her approach to the Leeds inquiry will be comprehensive, involving a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to ensure all aspects of care are evaluated.
The review is expected to cover incidents from January 2011 to December 2025, focusing specifically on stillbirths, neonatal deaths, serious injuries, and maternal fatalities. This rigorous examination will operate on an opt-out basis, automatically including cases unless families choose otherwise, and aims to start clinical reviews by August 2026.
In her comments, Ockenden emphasised the importance of providing families with “trusted answers,” acknowledging the lengthy wait many have endured for clarity and justice. She underscored the review’s dual purpose: to address past failures while also enhancing the safety and quality of current maternity services.
Trust’s Commitment to Improvement
In light of the inquiry, Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of LTH NHS Trust, expressed a commitment to transparency and collaboration with Ockenden’s team. He offered apologies to families who suffered losses and reassured the public that significant improvements are already underway in maternity and neonatal services, following critical assessments by the Care Quality Commission and NHS England.
The recent downgrading of the trust’s maternity units from “good” to “inadequate” underscores the pressing need for reform. Inspections revealed a “blame culture” that discouraged staff from reporting concerns, further compromising patient safety.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Donna Ockenden as chair of the Leeds maternity inquiry represents a crucial turning point in addressing the systemic issues plaguing NHS maternity services. For families who have endured unimaginable loss, this inquiry is not just about accountability but about ensuring that no other family faces similar tragedies. The implications of this review extend far beyond Leeds; they resonate across the healthcare system, highlighting the urgent need for reform in maternity care nationwide. By prioritising transparency and advocacy for patients, the inquiry could pave the way for meaningful change, restoring trust in a service that is fundamental to public health and wellbeing.
