An independent review into maternity and neonatal services at University hospitals Sussex NHS foundation trust has launched, examining the care provided at Worthing hospital and other facilities within the trust. The review is being led by Donna Ockenden, a senior midwife with expertise in maternity safety who has previously conducted similar investigations at other NHS trusts.
The review was initiated following a joint investigation by the New Statesman and the BBC that identified concerns about maternal and neonatal care at the trust. The investigation reported on cases where outcomes may have been preventable with improved care delivery. The review is expected to examine more than 1,000 maternity and neonatal cases dating back to 2018.
Beareaved families, organized as members of the Truth for Our Babies group, have been actively campaigning for this review and are now participating in its process. These families are seeking accountability, transparency, and concrete improvements to maternity services. One mother whose baby was stillborn described her experience of losing her daughter after staff at Worthing hospital failed to act on concerning findings from earlier scans. The bereaved families are urging other affected families to participate in the review and share their experiences.
Ockenden stated that a core objective of the review will be ensuring that the voices of families affected by poor care are heard throughout the process, including those from underrepresented communities. The review’s scope is intended to be comprehensive and responsive to the experiences documented by families.
University hospitals Sussex leadership has indicated support for the review process and stated commitment to implementing improvements in maternity care. Government officials have also expressed sympathy for affected families and noted ongoing national efforts to enhance maternity services across the NHS.
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