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In a significant turn of events, the UK government has appointed Donna Ockenden to chair an independent inquiry into the troubling history of maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This decision comes on the heels of persistent advocacy from families who have suffered devastating losses due to what has been described as “repeated maternity failures.” Ockenden, a respected midwife currently leading a large-scale maternity review in Nottingham, will now focus on investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of at least 56 infants and two mothers at the Leeds trust, incidents that a prior BBC investigation suggested could have been preventable.
A Shift in Leadership
Health Secretary Wes Streeting initially announced the inquiry in October 2025, citing urgent needs to address the systemic issues plaguing the maternity units at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital. However, shortly thereafter, he revealed that Ockenden would not be leading this critical review, leading to backlash from families and MPs. Following a series of meetings with affected families, who expressed their concerns and lack of confidence in the ongoing process, Streeting reversed his decision.
Families had been vocal in their demand for Ockenden’s leadership, viewing her as a beacon of hope for achieving justice and transparency. Amarjit Kaur Matharoo, who lost her daughter Asees in January 2024, expressed relief at the announcement, highlighting the exhausting journey they had undertaken to secure an independent chair who resonates with their needs.
Families’ Voices Resonate
The families affected by these tragic incidents have been relentless in their pursuit of accountability and reform. Lauren Caulfield, whose daughter was stillborn in March 2022, remarked on the timing of the announcement, just days before what would have been her daughter’s fourth birthday. “This is the best gift I could give her, ensuring her little life is actually going to make a change,” she stated, reflecting the profound emotional weight behind their advocacy.
Ockenden herself acknowledged the long path to this point, commending the Health Secretary for ultimately recognising the necessity of her involvement. She underscored the importance of the review, which aims to provide families with the answers they have long awaited and to enhance the safety and quality of maternity services across the region.
The Scope of the Inquiry
Although the final terms of reference are still under discussion, the review is set to encompass case evaluations from January 2011 to December 2025, focusing on stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and serious maternal injuries. Ockenden has assured that the review will adopt an opt-out model, meaning that relevant cases will be automatically included unless families choose otherwise. This approach aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the systemic failures while encouraging broader participation from those affected.
Fiona Winser-Ramm, who lost her daughter Aliona Grace in 2020, appealed to all families impacted by these failures to come forward and share their experiences, emphasising that each story matters, regardless of when it occurred.
Accountability and Improvement
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) had previously downgraded the maternity units at Leeds Teaching Hospitals from “good” to “inadequate” in June 2025, following unannounced inspections that revealed alarming risks to both mothers and babies. Inspectors highlighted a “blame culture” within the trust, which stifled open communication and hindered the reporting of issues. In light of these findings, Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of LTH NHS Trust, issued a public apology to the bereaved families and acknowledged the need for profound changes in their maternity services.
He reiterated the trust’s commitment to collaborating transparently with Ockenden and her team, ensuring that the families’ voices are not only heard but acted upon.
Why it Matters
The appointment of Donna Ockenden as the chair of this inquiry is a crucial step towards rebuilding trust in the maternity services of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. For families affected by the tragic outcomes of past failures, this represents not just a hope for accountability but also a commitment to systemic change that prioritises safety and quality in care. As the review unfolds, its findings could set a precedent for how maternity services are managed across the UK, making it imperative for all stakeholders to engage actively and constructively with this process. The outcomes of this inquiry could ultimately save lives and restore faith in the healthcare system, which has been sorely tested in recent years.
