A corporate manslaughter investigation has been opened into maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

The inquiry into maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) was established in May 2022 following serious concerns about the quality and safety of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The inquiry is being led by Donna Ockenden, who previously led the enquiry into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. 

The inquiry into maternity services at NUH is examining approximately 2,500 cases of neonatal deaths, stillbirths, and injuries to mothers and babies. Families affected by these failings have been vocal in their demands for accountability and improvements in maternity care. The inquiry aims to provide a thorough examination of the issues and ensure that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies. The final report, is expected to be published in June 2026.

Nottinghamshire police have now announced that they have opened a corporate manslaughter investigation into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. 

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 sets out the circumstances where companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter as a result of serious management failures resulting in a gross breach of a duty of care. The Act states:

Section1. The offence:

1. An organisation to which this section applies is guilty of an offence if the way in which its activities are managed or organised—
   1. causes a person's death, and
   2. amounts to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed by the organisation to the deceased.
2. An organisation is guilty of an offence under this section only if the way in which its activities are managed or organised by its senior management is a substantial element in the breach referred to in subsection (1).
3. An organisation that is guilty of corporate manslaughter or corporate homicide is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine.”

If found guilty the Trust would face an unlimited fine.