University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is the subject of a comprehensive independent review into maternity and neonatal services, officially launched with a public meeting in Brighton. The inquiry is being led by Donna Ockenden, a midwife and maternity safety expert who previously conducted significant reviews of maternity services at other NHS trusts.
The review was initiated following an investigation published earlier in the year by the New Statesman and BBC that raised concerns about maternal and newborn care at the Sussex facility. According to the reporting, at least 55 infant deaths might have been avoidable with improved care. The review is expected to examine more than 1,000 maternity and neonatal cases dating back to 2018.
Bereaved families, including those organized through the Truth for Our Babies campaign group, will participate in the review process and provide testimony about their experiences. Susan Cacciacarro, whose daughter Chiara was delivered stillborn at Worthing hospital in 2021 after the baby’s movements ceased during a high-risk pregnancy, represents one of the families seeking answers. She emphasized that families are seeking accountability, transparency, and most importantly, systemic improvements to prevent future harm.
Ockenden, selected for her expertise in maternity safety investigations, stated she is committed to ensuring all affected families are heard, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Hospital leadership indicated support for the review process and stated commitment to implementing improvements. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the families affected and referenced ongoing national efforts to enhance maternity care safety and consistency across the NHS.
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