Health secretary seeks advice over maternity inquiry staff who refused to give evidence
Summary
The UK health secretary, James Murray, is seeking advice on whether senior NHS staff who refused to give evidence to a maternity services inquiry can be forced to do so under new laws. The inquiry found serious failings at Nottingham University Hospitals, with many staff and families affected, and some senior clinicians not participating in the investigation.Key Facts
- The inquiry looked into maternity services failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
- It found 520 cases with potentially avoidable harms to mothers and babies and deep problems in the maternity units.
- About 2,500 families and 800 NHS staff helped with the review, which started in 2022.
- Some senior managers refused to give evidence to the inquiry, leaving gaps in the report.
- The health secretary said it is unacceptable for senior clinicians to refuse participation.
- A proposed new law called the Hillsborough Law could require future maternity investigations to have a duty of candour, meaning staff must tell the truth.
- The health secretary is checking if this law can be used for past cases too.
- There is also talk of making those who refused evidence appear before a parliamentary committee to explain themselves.
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