Message following publication of The Ockenden Report 2026 into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Baroness Amos’ report after the National Maternity and Neonatal Review
We know that recent national reports into maternity and neonatal services may feel worrying or upsetting for women, birthing people, families and staff.
First and foremost, we want to say clearly: your safety, your voice and your experience matter to us.
The Ockenden and Amos reports highlight deeply serious themes in maternity and neonatal care, including the importance of listening to women and families, acting quickly when concerns are raised, improving safety and staffing, strengthening leadership and accountability, tackling inequalities, racism and discrimination, and creating cultures where staff feel supported to speak up and learn.
What this means for women and families using our maternity and neonatal services
Although the Ockenden review relates specifically to Nottingham, and the Amos investigation looked at national maternity and neonatal services, we recognise that the findings are important for every NHS maternity service. We are carefully reviewing the recommendations and themes from both reports and considering what further action we can take for our services.
We understand the importance of continuous review, improvement and openness. We are committed to working with women, birthing people, families, staff and partners to provide safe, compassionate and equitable care for the communities we serve.
We are committed to:
- Listening to women, birthing people, families and staff, and acting on concerns
- Providing safe, personalised and compassionate care at every stage
- Learning openly from feedback, incidents, concerns and national reports
- Supporting our staff to deliver high-quality care in a positive, respectful and psychologically safe culture
- Reducing inequalities and ensuring care is respectful, inclusive and responsive to individual needs
We are here for you
Our teams are here to listen, support you and provide safe, personalised and compassionate care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The Ockenden and Amos reports reinforce the importance of openness, kindness, accountability and continuous improvement — principles that underpin our approach every day.
If the recent reports have caused you to feel worried or uncertain about your care, please speak to us. You will be listened to with respect and care, and we will help you access the right support.
You can access help in the following ways:
- Talk directly to your midwife or obstetrician
- Contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 01279 827211 or [email protected] for advice or to raise any concerns or issues
- Contact the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership by emailing [email protected] to give feedback about your maternity and neonatal care
- If you would prefer to speak to the senior leadership team directly, please email Linda Machakaire, Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Assistant Chief Nurse, at [email protected] or Catherine Kay, Deputy Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology, at [email protected]