The recent announcement of an independent inquiry into maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has sparked outrage among families who have suffered devastating losses. Following a BBC investigation that highlighted the preventable deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers over the last five years, MPs have expressed concerns that families have “lost trust” in the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to oversee this vital examination.
Call for Leadership Change
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a group of MPs, including three from the Labour Party and Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke, have urged immediate action to appoint senior midwife Donna Ockenden as the chair of the inquiry. Ockenden, who is currently leading an investigation into maternity services in Nottingham and has previously investigated failings at the Shrewsbury and Telford Trust, is seen as a trusted figure capable of navigating the complexities of such a critical review.
The letter, which has been made public, articulates the disillusionment felt by bereaved families, who believe that the announcement regarding the inquiry was a “complete betrayal of their trust.” Families had expected that they would be consulted before any public statement was made, particularly regarding the appointment of a chair. The MPs emphasised that failing to engage Ockenden would be “unacceptable,” given her established methodology and experience.
Deepening Distrust
The inquiry’s handling has already raised serious concerns among those affected. Fiona Winser-Ramm, a mother who lost her daughter Aliona in January 2020, highlighted the “gross failures” that contributed to her child’s death. She stated, “Families cannot trust this inquiry to an unproven process as it is too important to fail.” Winser-Ramm’s sentiments reflect a broader fear that without experienced leadership, the inquiry may falter, further failing families seeking justice.
Lauren Caulfield, another grieving parent, echoed these sentiments, insisting that the inquiry must be led by someone who understands systemic failings within maternity care and can hold the NHS trust accountable. The emotional weight of these families’ experiences underscores the urgency for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Promises of Improvement
In response to the growing criticism, a spokesperson for the Department of Health affirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with families in Leeds to ensure that a suitable chair is appointed and that the terms of reference for the inquiry are agreed upon. They reiterated the importance of delivering answers to every family who has lost a baby, emphasising that no one should experience substandard maternity care.
Despite the Trust’s previous assurances of improvement, the situation remains dire. The units at Leeds were downgraded from “good” to “inadequate” by the Care Quality Commission in June 2025, following whistleblowers’ claims about safety concerns. Families are left grappling with the reality of a system that has let them down at the most vulnerable times.
Why it Matters
The call for a trustworthy inquiry into the maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is not merely about accountability; it represents a broader demand for systemic change within the NHS. As families seek justice for their losses, the integrity of the healthcare system is under scrutiny. Ensuring that experienced and credible leaders guide such inquiries is crucial for restoring faith in maternity care and preventing future tragedies. The outcome of this inquiry could set a precedent for how maternal health issues are addressed across the UK, making it imperative that the right steps are taken now.
