Nottinghamshire Police have announced that they have opened a corporate manslaughter inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to failings in maternity care.
Det Supt Matthew Croome at Nottinghamshire Police has said the alleged offences related to “circumstances where an organisation has been grossly negligent in the management of its activities, which then led to a person’s death.” They are currently in the process of investigating whether overall responsibility lies with the trust or any individuals.
The trust is already subject to review under the largest ever NHS maternity review by ex-midwife Donna Ockenden, and more than 2,000 cases of maternity care under the trust are being reviewed. The review is due for completion in summer 2026
It also follows an investigation from the CQC (Care Quality Commission) which resulted in the trust being prosecuted and fined £1.6m following the deaths of three babies in 2021.
In response to the investigation, the trust’s chief executive and chair have released the following statement: “We are fully committed to the ongoing police investigation and the Independent Review of Maternity Services, led by Donna Ockenden. We would like to reassure the public that we are determined to improve our maternity services. We know how important the police investigation and independent review are for the affected families, the trust and our local communities. We hope that affected families receive the answers that they deserve.”
How can we help?
At Medical Accident Group, we specialise in helping individuals and families affected by medical negligence.
If you or a loved one received substandard maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and would like to explore a possible claim, our expert legal team is here to support you every step of the way.
