Police Launch Corporate Manslaughter Probe Into Nottingham NHS Maternity Scandal

A corporate manslaughter investigation has been launched into the tragic failures at maternity units run by the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. The failings are linked to the deaths and injuries of hundreds of babies and mothers over many years.

The Nottinghamshire Police confirmed the investigation on Monday, saying they are now examining whether the trust’s care was “grossly negligent.”

This comes as the NHS faces its largest-ever maternity care inquiry, currently led by independent midwife Donna Ockenden. Her team is reviewing about 2,500 cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and maternal harm.

What Is the Investigation About?

The police are focusing on two maternity units:

• Queen’s Medical Centre

• Nottingham City Hospital

These hospitals are both run by NUH.

According to Detective Superintendent Matthew Croome, this case falls under corporate manslaughter, a serious criminal charge. He said: “We are investigating if the organisation itself is to blame rather than just individuals.”

The investigation, called Operation Perth, has already received more than 200 family cases, with thousands more expected.

What Families Are Saying

Dr. Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet was stillborn in 2016, welcomed the move. They said: “This is just one step toward accountability. Harriet should be nine years old today. Our lives were destroyed by repeated trauma caused by NUH.”

However, they also stressed that individual staff must also face responsibility.

“Corporate charges alone won’t punish those still working in the system.”

Response from Nottingham Hospitals

The hospital trust released a joint statement from Chair Nick Carver and Chief Executive Anthony May, saying: “We are deeply sorry for the pain and suffering caused. We support the police and the independent maternity review. We know there is still more work to do.”

They added that they are committed to transparency and improving services for the future.

Ockenden Review Expected in 2026

Donna Ockenden, who is leading the Independent Review of Maternity Services, said earlier this year that her report is expected to be published in June 2026. Families are hoping the review and police investigation will finally bring them justice.