By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottinghamshire Police are to launch a criminal investigation into failings in maternity services at Nottingham hospitals.
Donna Ockenden is already leading the largest review in NHS history at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, which runs Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen’s Medical Centre.
Around 1,800 families are now expected to be involved in the review, which covers cases including stillbirth, neonatal deaths, brain damage to the baby or harm to mothers.
Around 700 members of staff have also contributed to the review.
Notts Police revealed today (September 7) Chief Constable Kate Meynell met Ms Ockenden yesterday (September 6) to “build up a clearer picture of the work that is taking place”.
Bereaved and harmed families said they welcomed the “long-awaited news of this police investigation”.
Ms Meynell said: “We want to work alongside the review but also ensure that we do not hinder its progress.
“However, I am in a position to say we are preparing to launch a police investigation.
“I have appointed the Assistant Chief Constable, Rob Griffin to oversee the preparations and the subsequent investigation.
“We are currently looking at the work being done in Shrewsbury and Telford by West Mercia Police to understand how they conducted their investigation alongside Donna Ockenden’s review and any lessons learnt.
“Now we have met with Donna Ockenden we plan to hold preliminary discussions with some local families in the near future.”
Ms Ockenden has previously held a similar maternity care review at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.
This led to hundreds of cases being reviewed by West Mercia Police, who looked for evidence that could lead to criminal charges.
The Nottinghamshire force added Anthony May, Chief Executive of the hospitals trust, has committed to fully cooperate with the police investigation.
The Chief Constable had already previously said she was prepared to consider if any criminal investigations are needed as a result of any findings.
A group of families affected by failings in maternity care said in a statement: “We welcome the long-awaited news of this police investigation and we are very grateful to the Chief Constable Kate Meynell for her decision.
“There will be a wealth of information from victim families for her team to use.
“A large number of us have alleged crimes and we will be sharing our evidence with the police to assist them with their investigations. There has been poor maternity care as well as poor investigation of that care at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust over many years.”
Parents Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whose baby Harriet died in 2016, said they asked the trust to notify the police of her death at the time.
They said: “This conversation has been repeated multiple times with senior people at NUH and with the local NHS over the years.
“We anticipate that we will be meeting with the Chief Constable soon to understand what the police investigation will mean for each and every one of us.
“We hope and believe it will encompass not just the care of individuals who have dead and seriously harmed babies and mothers, but also what families allege is a far-reaching cover-up by NUH and NHS staff.”
Anthony May, Chief Executive for Nottingham University Hospitals said he is committed to the independent maternity review and any police invesigation.
He said: “My colleagues and I work closely with the review team led by Donna Ockenden, to ensure transparent and full engagement. This includes meeting regularly with Donna in order listen and take action on feedback.
“We publish Donna’s feedback on our website, and will soon be publishing our response to the feedback we have received so far. The Trust will also now also cooperate fully with any Police investigation.
“In the meantime, we will continue with our maternity improvement programme, which is driving changes in our maternity services. These changes include staffing levels, training, compliance with guidelines, record keeping and the provision and use of equipment.”
He said after a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, the healthcare watchdog “informally reported improvements”.
The detailed report will be published on 13 September.
