At Switalskis, we represent a large number of families affected by serious failings in maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). Many of these families have faced unimaginable loss and trauma. Their determination to seek answers has led to multiple investigations now underway – each an important step towards transparency, accountability and, ultimately, improved safety for future families.

Multiple investigations into maternity failings

There are currently several overlapping investigations running parallel, but they each have different outcomes and legal parameters. Each investigation is one component of the bigger picture in trying to obtain justice for the families and to make maternity services safer:

• The Independent Review led by Donna Ockenden is examining around 2,500 cases of maternity-related harm at NUH’s Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital. This is one of the largest maternity care reviews in NHS history and is expected to conclude in June 2026.
• A criminal investigation by Nottinghamshire Police – known as Operation Perth, is focused on whether the Trust may have committed corporate manslaughter. This is separate from any previous enforcement action and follows referrals from more than 200 families.
• A Care Quality Commission (CQC) prosecution earlier this year resulted in NUH receiving a £1.6 million fine over failings linked to the deaths of three babies in 2021. In 2023, NUH was fined £800,000 over safety failings linked to the death of Wynter Andrews in 2019.

While these investigations differ in scope and focus, they each reflect the same central concern - that families were let down by maternity services in ways that had devastating, and in some cases fatal consequences.

Our role in supporting families

Switalskis’ focus is on supporting families through each stage of the complex and distressing process during inquests and in bringing a civil claim. We are working closely with our clients to support them through the multiple investigations.

Sadie Simpson, Associate Solicitor in our Clinical Negligence team, said:

“We are proud to support the families who have shown such strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. The families have worked tirelessly to campaign for much needed change. Their courage in fighting for accountability and transparency has rightly triggered serious scrutiny of NUH maternity services.”

At Switalskis our priority is to seek justice for families who have suffered avoidable harm, and to help drive the improvements needed in maternity care.

We support efforts by the Ockenden Review, CQC, NHS Trusts, Police and other agencies to raise standards and ensure lessons are learned. We remain committed to engaging constructively with stakeholders, contributing to a culture of openness, safety and learning.

If you have been affected

If you or someone close to you has been impacted by poor maternity care at NUH or any other NHS Trust, please know that you are not alone. Our specialist solicitors are here to listen and to guide you through the legal process with sensitivity and care.

Contact us in confidence for advice and support.

Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com

For further information or to request an interview with Sadie please contact the Switalskis Press Consultant Ashlea McConnell, who can be contacted via ashlea@dmacomms.co.uk or on 07852 282802.