Nottinghamshire Police say they are working closely with the maternity review of Nottingham's hospitals due to the possibility of criminal investigations. The experiences of around 1,700 families dating back several years are being looked at as part of the independent review into the care of mothers and babies at the Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital - meaning it is set to become the largest maternity in NHS history.
The independent review is being led by experienced midwife and healthcare expert Donna Ockenden. On Monday (July 10) more than 100 people attended an annual public meeting held by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Trust. Amongst those invited to the meeting was Chief Constable Kate Meynell.
“I was invited to attend Monday’s NUH annual meeting alongside other stakeholders in which families and communities were addressed by Nottingham University Hospital Chair Nick Carver about the maternity failings at the trust," she said in a statement.
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“I am aware of the ongoing review into the trust’s maternity services and as Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, it is important I am aware of the work being undertaken by the review. I will continue to work alongside Donna Ockenden, Chair of the Independent Review into Maternity Services at NUH, in the event any criminal investigations are necessary.
“I recognise the utterly devastating heartbreak that families and parents have gone through and continue to deal with every single day. I assure you that my officers will carry out thorough and detailed investigations should any criminal details come to light. After attending Monday’s meeting and hearing the Chief Executive speaking to those there and directly to the families affected, I felt reassured about the review that is being carried out.”
It comes after the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the trust have agreed to change the review from ‘opt-in’ to ‘opt-out’. This means the review will cover 1,700 cases and families will have to withdraw consent if they do not want their experiences to be examined.
In January, NUH was prosecuted and fine £800,000 over the death of Wynter Andrews at Queen's Medical Centre in 2019.
