Steve Yemm, Labour MP for Mansfield, is calling for a judge-led public inquiry into the maternity scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust ahead of the publication of Donna Ockenden's final review today.
The review examined up to 2,500 cases of babies and mothers who died or were injured while under the care of NUH between 1 April 2012 and 31 May 2025, making it the largest maternity review in NHS history.
Mansfield residents have signed a petition calling for change. Since being elected, Steve has met many of the local families affected and heard their experiences first hand - including at Westminster, where he met with campaigners who have spent years pursuing answers and accountability.
The MP is calling for three measures:
A full national public inquiry The appointment of a dedicated maternity commissioner Decisive action on the findings of past reviews - including Donna Ockenden's work, which has repeatedly identified failures to listen to women and concerns being dismissed.
Steve Yemm MP said:
"The NUH maternity scandal has had a devastating impact on families across Mansfield and the wider region. Too many parents have suffered the loss of a baby, life-altering injuries and profound trauma at a time that should have been filled with hope and joy."
"The families I have met have shown remarkable courage. They have fought for years to be heard, and today they deserve recognition - and real answers."
"This is a pattern, not a series of isolated failures - and it demands a serious national response. A public inquiry would have the power to compel witnesses and examine not just clinical practice but the culture within our health system. That is how we drive real, lasting change for every mother and baby across the country."
