Ockenden report live: largest maternity review in NHS history to be published

Key events Paula Sussex, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman, said the report “adds to an overwhelming body of evidence that maternity services are failing women and families in ways that are repeated and preventable”. In remarks reported by the Press Association earlier this morning, she said: double quotation mark For years, reviews have highlighted the same issues – failures in communication, not listening, delays in diagnosis, and poor postnatal care. Yet too often these warnings and any lessons have not translated into lasting improvement, resulting in repeated harm. While many NHS staff work tirelessly to provide excellent care, every woman and baby deserves safe, compassionate care, every time. It is vital now that we focus on fixing the service. NHS leaders must ensure these findings lead to real, sustained action across all Trusts. Listening to women and families is one of the most effective ways to prevent harm and improve care. We owe it to those affected not just to recognise these failures, but to ensure they lead to meaningful and lasting change.” A photo from the newswire this morning of families arriving at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Nottingham for the Ockenden report press conference. Jack and Sarah Hawkins arriving with other affected families at Crowne Plaza Hotel Nottingham, for the publication of Donna Ockenden’s independent report into maternity care at Nottingham university hospitals NHS trust. …