University Hospitals Sussex NHS foundation trust is facing a comprehensive independent review of its maternity and neonatal services, chaired by Donna Ockenden, a midwife with extensive experience in maternity safety investigations. The review was initiated following sustained campaigning by bereaved families and an investigative report that suggested significant gaps in care quality.
Susan Cacciacarro, whose daughter Chiara was stillborn in 2021, is among the parents expected to provide evidence during the inquiry. Cacciacarro was carrying a baby with a diagnosed heart defect and had been under close hospital supervision. When a scan indicated the fetus had lost weight, no expedited delivery plan was made, and when Cacciacarro reported absent fetal movements weeks later, hospital staff were unable to locate a heartbeat. Cacciacarro has stated that she seeks answers and improvements to prevent similar outcomes for other families.
Ockenden previously led investigations into maternity services at hospitals in Shrewsbury, Telford, and Nottingham, and is currently chairing a separate review at two Leeds hospitals. The Sussex review is expected to examine more than 1,000 maternity and neonatal cases dating to 2018. At the review’s inaugural public meeting, Ockenden outlined her commitment to listening to affected families and ensuring that underrepresented voices are included in the inquiry.
University Hospitals Sussex leadership stated they welcome the review and are committed to supporting the process while implementing what they describe as positive changes to maternity services. The Department of Health and Social Care indicated that the review is part of broader efforts to improve maternity care quality across the NHS through increased investment and implementation of previous review recommendations.
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