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In a significant shift in strategy, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has appointed Donna Ockenden to chair an independent inquiry into persistent maternity failures at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This decision comes in direct response to the persistent advocacy of bereaved families who have suffered devastating losses due to systemic issues within the trust’s maternity services. The inquiry aims to address grave concerns about patient safety and care quality, which have been brought to light by recent investigations.
A Long-Awaited Decision
The inquiry was initially announced in October 2025, as part of efforts to understand the catastrophic failures reported in the maternity units at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital. Streeting’s initial choice for the role of chair was met with disapproval, prompting families and local MPs to urge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene. The mounting pressure culminated in Streeting’s recent reversal, appointing Ockenden, an esteemed midwife noted for her leadership in similar investigations, including the ongoing review in Nottingham.
Ockenden’s previous work has established her as a leading figure in maternity care reform. The Nottingham review, examining around 2,500 cases of harm, underscores her capability to manage complex inquiries and advocate for patient safety. Her appointment is seen as a pivotal step towards restoring trust among families who have felt sidelined in the discussions around maternity care.
Families’ Voices Amplified
The appointment of Ockenden has been met with relief from many families affected by the tragedies at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Amarjit Kaur Matharoo, who lost her daughter Asees in January 2024, expressed gratitude for the decision, stating, “It had been a really exhausting, long road to get to a point where we’ve got a chair that we all agree upon.” The importance of having a leader who commands respect and independence resonates deeply within the community.
Lauren Caulfield, another bereaved mother, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional significance of the timing. “The announcement is coming 10 days before Grace’s 4th birthday, and I feel this is the best gift I could give her, ensuring her little life is actually going to make a change,” she remarked. Such sentiments reflect a broader desire for accountability and improvement in care standards.
The Inquiry’s Scope and Objectives
Ockenden has articulated a clear vision for the inquiry, aiming to provide families with “trusted answers” that have been long-awaited. The review is anticipated to encompass case analyses of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, serious injuries, and maternal fatalities dating back to January 2011. It will proceed on an opt-out basis, ensuring that all relevant cases are automatically included unless families choose otherwise.
While the full terms of reference are still being established, Ockenden has pledged to assemble a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, to ensure a comprehensive approach. She emphasised the dual purpose of the inquiry: to deliver answers to families and to enhance the safety and quality of maternity services in the region.
A Call for Engagement
Fiona Winser-Ramm, whose daughter Aliona Grace died in 2020, has called upon all affected families to engage with the inquiry. “Whether it was 11 years ago or 11 months ago, your experience matters. Your baby’s life and wellbeing matters, as does yours,” she stated, highlighting the importance of collective testimony in driving meaningful change.
The inquiry follows a BBC investigation revealing that the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers at the Leeds trust over the past five years could have been preventable. These alarming findings prompted the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to downgrade the maternity units from “good” to “inadequate” in June 2025, citing a culture of blame that discouraged staff from raising concerns.
Commitment to Transparency and Improvement
Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, has expressed a commitment to transparency throughout the inquiry process. He acknowledged the trust’s responsibility to the families affected by these tragic events and reaffirmed that substantial improvements are already underway in the maternity services.
In light of Ockenden’s appointment, the Health Secretary has praised her advocacy for families, stating, “Her leadership will bring us closer to the lasting change so desperately needed in Leeds.” This sentiment reflects a broader recognition within the government of the urgent need for reform in maternity care.
Why it Matters
The implications of this inquiry extend far beyond Leeds. It serves as a critical reminder of the systemic challenges faced within the NHS, particularly in maternity services, where the stakes are profoundly personal. As families seek justice and accountability, the outcomes of this review could set precedents for future inquiries and reforms across the healthcare system. Ensuring that the voices of affected families are at the forefront of this process will be essential in fostering trust and improving care standards for generations to come.
