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In a significant policy reversal, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has appointed Donna Ockenden to chair an independent inquiry into persistent maternity failings at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This decision follows mounting pressure from bereaved families and advocates for improved healthcare standards, particularly after a BBC investigation indicated that the trust may have been responsible for the preventable deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers over a five-year period.
A Long-Awaited Appointment
The inquiry aims to scrutinise the maternity and neonatal services at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital, both of which have faced criticism for their handling of care. Initially announced in October 2025, the inquiry was met with disappointment when, within days, Streeting announced that Ockenden would not lead the review. This decision sparked outrage among affected families and prompted calls for Ockenden’s reinstatement as chair, culminating in the recent U-turn.
Ockenden, a respected senior midwife, is currently overseeing a similar review in Nottingham, which is examining around 2,500 cases of maternal and neonatal harm. Her experience and commitment to family advocacy have made her a suitable choice, according to many who have been affected by the tragedies at Leeds.
Families’ Voices Matter
The decision has been welcomed by families who have suffered unimaginable losses. Amarjit Kaur Matharoo, who experienced the stillbirth of her daughter Asees in January 2024, expressed relief at the announcement. “It had been a really exhausting, long road to get to a point where we’ve got a chair that we all agree upon is going to be completely independent,” she stated. Lauren Caulfield, whose daughter was stillborn in March 2022, echoed this sentiment, describing the decision as a meaningful step towards ensuring that her daughter’s life will contribute to positive change in the maternity system.
Streeting acknowledged the struggles families faced in pushing for this inquiry, expressing his apologies for the challenges they have endured. This statement of regret signals an acknowledgment from the government regarding past failures and a commitment to ensuring that families receive the support and answers they deserve.
The Inquiry’s Focus and Methodology
The forthcoming review is set to encompass an extensive range of cases, including stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and maternal fatalities, spanning from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2025. Importantly, the inquiry will adopt an opt-out model, meaning that families whose cases meet the criteria will automatically be included unless they choose otherwise. This approach is designed to encourage participation and ensure a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand.
Ockenden emphasised the dual purpose of the review: to provide families with the answers they have long awaited and to enhance the safety and quality of maternity services moving forward. She highlighted the importance of continuous learning and improvement, drawing from her experience in Nottingham, where regular meetings have been held to facilitate ongoing dialogue between families and healthcare providers.
Systemic Issues in Maternity Care
The inquiry into Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust comes on the heels of a BBC investigation that unearthed alarming testimonies from whistleblowers, who described a culture within the maternity units that prioritised appearances over patient safety. Despite previous ratings of “good” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the units were downgraded to “inadequate” in June 2025 after inspections revealed risks to mothers and babies. These findings underline a troubling disconnect between regulatory assessments and the lived experiences of patients.
Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of LTH NHS Trust, has publicly committed to collaborating transparently with Ockenden and her review team. He extended apologies to families impacted by these tragedies and reassured the public that significant improvements in maternity and neonatal services are already underway, following earlier reviews by NHS England and the CQC.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Donna Ockenden to lead the inquiry into maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is a pivotal moment in addressing systemic failures that have devastated families. With her extensive experience and an empathetic approach, Ockenden’s leadership is expected to foster a more transparent and accountable healthcare environment. This inquiry not only seeks to provide answers and closure to affected families but also represents a crucial step toward improving safety standards in maternity care across the UK. As the health sector grapples with these profound challenges, the hope is that this inquiry will catalyse meaningful reforms, ensuring that no family has to endure similar tragedies in the future.
