Summary
The UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, reversed an earlier decision and appointed Donna Ockenden to lead an inquiry into maternity failures at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This decision followed advocacy from families who experienced loss or harm at the trust's maternity units. The review will investigate cases involving stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and maternal injuries and deaths dating back to 2011.
Key Facts
- Donna Ockenden will lead an inquiry into maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
- The decision to appoint Ockenden came after campaigns by families who lost or were harmed.
- Ockenden is currently leading a separate large maternity review in Nottingham.
- A BBC investigation found at least 56 babies’ and two mothers’ deaths at the Leeds Trust could have been prevented in the last five years.
- The review will include case reviews of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, serious injuries, and maternal deaths from 2011 to 2025.
- Wes Streeting announced the inquiry initially in October 2025.
- Clinical case reviews for the inquiry are expected to start in August.
- Cases will be automatically included in the review unless families choose not to participate.
