In a significant policy reversal, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has appointed Donna Ockenden to lead an independent investigation into the troubling maternity practices at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTH). Ockenden, a renowned midwifery expert currently overseeing a major review in Nottingham, will spearhead the inquiry following relentless advocacy from bereaved families and public pressure. This shift represents a critical step in restoring trust in the NHS’s maternity services, which have faced scrutiny after a spate of preventable tragedies.
The Background of Maternity Failures
The need for this inquiry emerged in January 2025, when a BBC investigation highlighted alarming evidence suggesting that at least 56 babies and two mothers may have lost their lives due to systemic failings at the Leeds trust over the past five years. These findings prompted Streeting to announce a review aimed at uncovering the root causes of these failures at the maternity units of Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital.
Initially, Streeting had indicated that Ockenden would not lead the inquiry, a decision met with backlash from families affected by the tragic outcomes. In the face of mounting pressure from families and MPs, including a direct appeal to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Streeting ultimately reversed his stance, acknowledging the necessity of Ockenden’s involvement.
The Role of Donna Ockenden
Ockenden, who has garnered respect within the field for her commitment to improving maternity care, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to chair the inquiry. She noted that the families have been vocal about their desire for her leadership, reflecting a collective demand for accountability and transparency.
“The families have been very clear for a very long time that their request was for me to chair their independent maternity services at Leeds,” Ockenden stated. She aims for the review to provide “trusted answers” to families who have waited too long for clarity about their experiences.
The inquiry will focus on cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and serious maternal injuries from January 2011 to December 2025, working on an opt-out basis to include cases unless families choose otherwise. This approach aims to ensure that the review captures a comprehensive view of the systemic issues plaguing the trust.
Families’ Reactions and Future Directions
Families affected by the tragedies have expressed relief and cautious optimism regarding Ockenden’s appointment. Amarjit Kaur Matharoo, who lost her daughter Asees in January 2024, shared her sentiments: “It had been a really exhausting, long road to get to a point where we’ve got a chair that we all agree upon.” Similarly, Lauren Caulfield, who experienced the stillbirth of her daughter in March 2022, described the announcement as a meaningful step toward ensuring her daughter’s legacy would drive change.
Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of LTH NHS Trust, has issued an apology to the families impacted by the maternity failures and pledged the trust’s commitment to collaborating openly with Ockenden and her review team. He reassured current and prospective patients that significant improvements are already underway in response to earlier assessments by the Care Quality Commission and NHS England.
The Need for Systemic Changes
This inquiry comes at a time when the NHS is under intense scrutiny regarding its maternity services. The Care Quality Commission downgraded the Leeds maternity units from “good” to “inadequate” in June 2025, citing a “blame culture” that discouraged staff from voicing concerns. This change in classification has raised serious alarms about the safety and quality of care provided to mothers and their newborns.
Ockenden’s review aims not only to investigate past incidents but also to implement immediate improvements within the trust. Her approach in Nottingham has involved regular learning and improvement meetings, whereby insights from families and staff have been directly communicated to the trust to enhance current practices.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Donna Ockenden to lead the inquiry into Leeds maternity services marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability within the NHS. The experiences of bereaved families have highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms that prioritise safety, transparency, and trust in maternal healthcare. As Ockenden embarks on this critical review, the commitment to listening to families and implementing change could define the future of maternity services not only in Leeds but across the entire NHS system. This inquiry is not merely about addressing past failures; it represents a vital opportunity to rebuild trust and ensure that no family endures similar tragedies in the future.
