Nottinghamshire Police has formally announced the launch of a corporate manslaughter investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust.
This investigation forms part of the Operation Perth that is looking at the care provided to mothers and babies who died or suffered serious harm following maternity care at NUH Trust.
It is unclear at this stage how many deaths the police are investigating, however the Nottingham Maternity Review team, led by Donna Ockenden, has already submitted 200 files to the police for investigation. More are expected to follow.
Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins, the whistleblowers of the Nottingham Maternity Scandal, have responded to this announcement along with the Nottingham Affected Families Group.
For over 10 years, families affected by the Nottingham Maternity Scandal have campaigned for investigations into failings of care.
Because of continued pressure from the members of the Nottingham Affected Families Group, cases that have been repeatedly raised for almost a decade, will now be reviewed as part of a formal corporate manslaughter investigation.
As of April 2025, 2,297 cases of harm to babies and women have been brought against NUH as part of the Nottingham Maternity Review. This figure is expected to be closer to 2,500; the window for new cases to be included as part of the review closed on 31st May 2025.
Statement from the Nottingham Affected Families Group:
“Today’s announcement is one of mixed emotions. We wholeheartedly welcome and support the investigation into corporate manslaughter at NUH.
“It is also tinged with sadness that it has taken so many tragedies for this investigation to have been opened.
“Over many years, families have repeatedly raised concerns over maternity safety, only to be ignored and turned away. Had our concerns been listened to and acted upon, lives could have been saved. No investigation will ever reverse the harm and suffering that thousands of families have endured, but right now, families are feeling an immense sense of vindication.”
Statement from Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins, parents of Baby Harriet who was stillborn in 2016:
“Harriet should be 9 years old. Our lives were completely destroyed by the unimaginable and repeated trauma at the hands of NUH. This investigation is just one piece of the jigsaw towards accountability. A prosecution for corporate manslaughter will only penalise the Trust, not the individuals responsible, many of whom are still working today. We must never lose sight of individual accountability for those who so cruelly stole not just our daughter’s life and voice, but many others. We will continue to fight for justice, not only for Harriet, but for all those whose lives have shattered.”
