stillbirths

Stillbirths, defined as the death of a baby before or during labor, are a central concern in a major review of NHS maternity care. The Ockenden report, investigating hundreds of cases at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust between 2012 and 2015, has brought stillbirths and other neonatal and maternal deaths and injuries into sharp focus. The review, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, examined over 2,500 cases where mothers and babies experienced adverse outcomes, including stillbirths, due to alleged systemic failures and a 'toxic' care environment. The report's findings are newsworthy due to the scale of the scandal and the profound impact on families. The current relevance lies in the urgent need for reform within NHS maternity services to prevent future tragedies and improve patient safety. The report's conclusions underscore the critical importance of robust oversight and accountability in ensuring high-quality maternity care.