The largest-ever maternity review in NHS history—led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden—has now drawn in nearly 2,500 families affected by alleged failings at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust.
But in a deeply troubling development, some of these families say they’ve been subjected to “heartless” and “unfathomably cruel” comments from staff within the trust.
Heartless comments
Families involved in the review report that they are being accused of joining the process solely to seek compensation, and some have even been labelled as having “groomed” others into participating.
These allegations have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Two former staff members of NUH, whose daughter was stillborn in 2016, have been at the forefront of the campaign for justice. They described the comments as “horrific” and “monstrous,” saying they’ve been branded “compo seekers” by individuals within the trust.
“We’re not doing this for any reason other than babies are dying and being harmed, and mums are dying and being harmed, and families are being ripped apart,” said Dr Hawkins. “To reduce that down to ‘they’re seeking compensation’ is unfathomably heartless.”
Shocking and unacceptable
The trust’s chief executive acknowledged the gravity of the situation during NUH’s annual meeting, calling the comments “shocking” and “unacceptable.” He confirmed that he had written to every staff member to make clear that such behaviour must stop. He said:
“The families I’ve met are some of the most courageous people I’ve ever come across. They’ve suffered lifelong trauma and yet continue to share their experiences to improve services.”
While the trust’s chief executive noted that the comments could not be attributed to specific individuals and may have originated on social media or in public settings, he emphasised that the trust has processes in place to address such conduct.
Comment
The scandal has already prompted a corporate manslaughter investigation into deaths linked to NUH’s maternity services. More than 850 staff members have come forward to contribute to Ms. Ockenden’s independent review, which aims to uncover systemic failings and drive meaningful change.
It is absolutely clear that the families involved in the review are fighting for necessary change to save further families suffering the horrific circumstances and failures they have endured, and to bring awareness to this hugely important topic.
For families like the Hawkins, the fight is not about financial redress—it’s about ensuring no other family endures the same heartbreak. Their courage and persistence continue to shine a light on the urgent need for reform, compassion, and accountability within maternity care.
How can we help?
Danielle Young is a Partner in our Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500. She specialises in pregnancy and birth injury claims (including cerebral palsy), brain injury claims, fatal claims, surgical error claims, and cauda equina injury claims.
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Danielle or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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