Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Excerpts

Monday 29th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I certainly agree. Every woman, in the case of maternity services, deserves safe and compassionate maternity care. That is why we are so determined to drive urgent improvements in maternity services. It is worth noting that this review—the largest ever of its kind, as the noble Lord, Lord Kamall, said—considered the experience of more than 2,500 families and 830 staff. I think it is important that your Lordships’ House also remembers how many staff have found themselves in situations they would never have wanted to be in. I am sure that the noble Baroness, like me, pays great tribute to the many NHS staff who are in the majority in doing their work in a compassionate way—as the noble Baroness has experienced.

I cannot comment on whether it is specific to society but, from Donna Ockenden’s conclusions, there was something deeply wrong here. Whether it was not listening, culture or racism and discrimination towards women, families and staff, and between staff, we cannot have it.

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)]

My Lords, to continue this theme, the report describes a bullying and toxic culture, with junior midwives not being sufficiently supported when dealing with complex cases. It was a culture that did not allow them to refer such cases up the chain. There was a constant turnover in senior midwifery leadership and those they appointed were not given proper induction, mentoring or even guidance about their roles. In the work that the Minister is taking forward with the Secretary of State, will there be a concerted national programme of training and development for senior midwives so that there is a real opportunity to try to grip these issues?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My noble friend’s analysis is quite right. One of the reasons we are developing an anti-discrimination programme is that cultural change across maternity and neonatal services is much needed. I use that as one example; all NHS trusts are to have completed that programme by 2027, and that is already under way.

I found it absolutely shocking that so many senior people at Nottingham did not give evidence to Donna Ockenden’s investigation. That is why, once the Hillsborough law Bill receives Royal Assent, we will extend the duty of candour to the Leeds and Sussex reviews so that the chair, Donna Ockenden, will have the powers to find the truth from organisations and staff. On the earlier point, it is quite shocking and totally unacceptable that they refused to participate.