Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust fined over maternity failures amidst calls for patient safety
By Sadie Simpson
Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust has been fined £1.6 Million by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after admitting to failing to provide safe treatment for three mothers and three babies who tragically died within months of each other in 2021.
The sanctions were handed down following a prosecution hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, with the CQC finding that NUH did not ensure safe care and treatment due to systematic and serious failings leaving both mothers and babies at risk.
Sadie Simpson, a Clinical Negligence Solicitor at Switalskis, which represents numerous Nottingham families, including some of those families affected by this prosecution, commented: “This CQC prosecution and the significant fine that has been handed down is yet another acknowledgment of the serious safety concerns within the Trust’s maternity services.
“For years, families and staff have raised alarm bells about the quality of care at NUH, and tragically, the consequences have been devastating. This case reinforces the urgent need for meaningful and lasting improvements, and the time to act is now.
“It is our hope that, following the conclusion of this hearing, the Trust and the Government not only take on board the prosecution but also implement real changes to ensure safe care for all patients.
“These prosecutions must serve as a turning point—accountability must lead to action. Maternity services are fundamental to public health, and they must be safe, compassionate, and of the highest standard, both in Nottingham and across the country.”
This latest prosecution comes as NUH remains at the centre of the Ockenden Review, an independent inquiry into widespread failings within its maternity services.
Sadie Simpson said: “I would like to make it abundantly clear that the families in no way financially benefit from the fines imposed today. As the judge said as part of her judgement, she is limited to imposing a fine for the Trust.
“No fine can ever reflect the gravity and seriousness of the failings experienced by the families. No financial penalty is ever enough for the offences that have been admitted to.”
Call our birth injury team 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.
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Sadie has worked in medical negligence for over 10 years. She’s an Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team.
