Oxford University Hospitals maternity services under investigation in national review
By Clare Gooch
A new report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has once again raised serious concerns about maternity care at both Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital, Burton.
The investigation, led by Baroness Valerie Amos, forms part of a wider effort to understand and address long-standing failings in maternity care across England. It will look closely at the experiences of families, the quality and safety of care, and the leadership and systemic factors that have contributed to poor outcomes.
Patient experiences at the centre of the investigation
At Oxford University Hospitals, 24 families have come forward to share deeply distressing accounts of their experiences. These include accounts of stillbirth, death, babies left with brain injuries, and serious harm to mothers after receiving inadequate care.
These families’ testimonies have been central to prompting scrutiny of the Trust’s maternity services. Their bravery in speaking out reflects the growing determination among parents and campaigners to ensure lessons are learned and that no other family suffers in the same way.
Two local campaign groups - Families Failed by OUH Maternity Services and Keep the Horton General , have been key voices in raising awareness of these issues, sharing stories that have highlighted a pattern of poor communication, lack of compassion, and missed opportunities to prevent harm.
Concerns over scanning and caesarean policies
The investigation has also raised questions about the Trust’s OxGRIP scanning pathway, a protocol designed to improve detection of growth restriction and reduce stillbirths. Critics have argued that OxGRIP deviated from NICE and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines, and that it may have resulted in some high-risk pregnancies being denied essential growth scans.
While the Trust maintains that OxGRIP has improved outcomes, data from MBRRACE (2023) indicated that OUH had the highest rate in England when compared with similar Trusts. Although OUH has pointed to more recent, unpublished data showing improvement, the 2023 figures remain a significant cause for concern.
In addition, the investigation found that until 2021, the Trust had an explicit policy of denying all maternal request sections, contrary to NICE guidance. This has raised further questions about how consistently women’s choices and autonomy were being respected in maternity decision-making.
What happens next?
Channel 4 News has reported that on 7 October 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an unannounced inspection of OUH’s maternity unit. The outcome of that inspection has not yet been made public.
OUH said it is “working hard to listen with care and compassion to the concerns that have been raised,” and offered a “heartfelt apology” to any family who did not receive the standard of care they deserved.
The Trust also pointed to steps already taken, including the recruitment of 54 additional midwives, improved training and leadership, and investment in bereavement services to provide compassionate, specialist support for families experiencing loss.
While these are important developments, the Trust acknowledged that “there is much more to do,” and said it was “determined to go further” in improving safety and rebuilding confidence in its maternity services.
A wider moment for change
OUH’s inclusion in the Baroness Amos review is part of a broader national effort to address maternity failings and strengthen trust in the NHS.
For many parents, the priority is not only to receive justice or answers, but to make sure their experiences lead to genuine, lasting change.
At Switalskis, our maternity negligence solicitors work closely with families who have experienced avoidable harm during pregnancy, labour or birth. We know that the path to recovery often begins with being heard, and that the courage of families who share their stories plays a vital role in improving maternity care for others.
David Thomas, birth injury claims specialist at Switalskis comments, “This investigation is a crucial opportunity to listen to those families identified, identify what went wrong, and ensure their experiences lead to lasting improvement.
“No parent should have to fight to be heard, and no family should ever experience avoidable harm in maternity care. We hope this review brings not only answers, but meaningful change for parents across the country.”
If you have concerns about maternity care at Oxford University Hospitals or elsewhere, our specialist team is here to listen and help you understand your options.
Speak to our specialist team
If you or your baby have been affected by poor maternity care at Royal Derby Hospital, Queen’s Hospital Burton, or elsewhere, our specialist solicitors are here to help.
Get in touch with our specialist team to discuss your experience in confidence. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com.
How can a solicitor help after a birth injury in Oxford University Hospital?
A specialist birth injury solicitor can:
- Review your medical records to identify any failures in care
- Help you understand what went wrong during pregnancy, labour, or birth
- Guide you through making a claim for compensation if you or your baby suffered harm
- Arrange access to rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing support for your family
- Act as a supportive point of contact during what can be a very stressful and emotional process
At Switalskis, our team works sensitively with families to help them get answers and the support they need.
What are common signs of maternity negligence during childbirth?
Maternity negligence can take many forms, but some common signs include:
- Delayed diagnosis or treatment of complications during pregnancy or labour
- Inadequate monitoring of the baby’s heart rate or mother’s vital signs
- Improper management of labour, including failure to induce or accelerate labour when needed
- Failure to respond to emergencies such as shoulder dystocia or postpartum haemorrhage
- Injuries to the baby such as brain damage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or cerebral palsy
If you notice that care fell below accepted medical standards and caused harm, it may indicate maternity negligence.
Can I make a claim if my baby was injured during birth?
Yes, if your baby suffered a birth injury due to substandard maternity care, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.
Claims typically involve situations where:
- The injury could have been prevented with proper care
- There was a failure to follow national clinical guidance
- There were delays in diagnosis, treatment, or escalation of care
Our specialist solicitors can assess your case confidentially, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Clare has worked in Medical Negligence for over 10 years. She’s a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team based in Switalskis’ London office.
