NUH creates new Board to oversee improvements in maternity services  | Latest news

Following publication of the Independent Maternity Review (IMR), led by Donna Ockenden, Michelle Welsh, MP for Sherwood Forest has agreed to chair a new Learning and Improvement Board at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). 

The Board has been established following a public commitment made by NUH in 2025 to put in place robust, ongoing public oversight of progress against the essential actions set out in the IMR, published by Donna Ockenden on 24 June 2026.  

It will provide independent check and challenge on the delivery of improvements, ensuring sustained focus on safety, quality and learning across maternity services.

The Learning and Improvement Board will be supported by two additional groups: one representing families, co-chaired by Donna Ockenden and a family member, and one representing staff, ensuring that lived experience and frontline insight remain central to the Trust’s maternity improvement work. 

Anthony May, Chief Executive of NUH, said: “The publication of the Independent Maternity Review is a watershed moment, particularly for the affected women and families who have engaged with the Review. It is very important that we have robust, independent oversight of the implementation of the Review’s findings. We are committed to a comprehensive and sustained response to every action. 

“Two years ago, we made a public commitment to ensure continued scrutiny of our maternity services, and this Board is a key part of delivering on that promise. 

“In the coming weeks, we will publish a detailed action plan setting out how every action will be addressed, with clear timescales and named accountability. We will continue to involve families and staff in shaping our response, and in holding us to account.  

“We will work closely with the Learning and Improvement Board, NHS England, our regulators, commissioners, local families, partners and maternity experts to ensure improvements are delivered and sustained.” 

Michelle Welsh said: “The findings of the Independent Maternity Review reinforce the urgent need for change in our maternity services. For that reason, I have agreed to Chair the NUH Learning and Improvement Board.  

“I acknowledge the suffering experienced by the families at the heart of this review, whose courage in speaking out has brought to light the desperate need for change.  

“Having campaigned for improvements in maternity services for the past five and a half years, I am committed to working collectively with families, staff and partners to ensure lasting improvements are made.” 

On Michelle Welsh’s appointment as Chair of the Learning and Improvement Board, Anthony added: “I am thankful that Michelle has agreed to lead this Board. Her experience, insight and commitment to improving maternity services – both locally and nationally – will be invaluable as we continue our improvement journey. 

“We are determined to create maternity services that are consistently safe, compassionate, equitable and responsive – where women and families are listened to, staff feel supported to speak up, learning is embedded, and every family has confidence in the care they receive. 

“The publication of this report is not the end of a process, but another important milestone in a journey that must continue.” 

Donna Ockenden, Chair of the Independent Maternity Review, said: “I am so pleased to be remaining in Nottingham to support the ongoing perinatal improvement journey at NUH.

“The development of the Learning and Improvement Board fulfils a promise made to families that there would be continued scrutiny and improvement of maternity services at the Trust. Its creation is also important to the more than 800 current and former staff at the Trust who have engaged with the Review. I am so glad that this is also an opportunity for their voices to continue to be heard.” 

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said: “The Independent Maternity Review lays bare the systemic failings and deep-rooted failures that took place at the Trust. I met with the families in Nottingham and I want to thank them for their openness and honesty, having waited for too long to get the answers they deserved. 

“The Trust’s commitment to setting out a comprehensive action plan is an important step. We must see accountability and improvement in maternity and neonatal care so that families don’t have to go through the same heartbreak and loss. 

“I welcome Michelle Welsh’s appointment as Chair of the Learning and Improvement Board. This is a significant moment and recognises Michelle’s tireless efforts campaigning to improve maternity and neonatal services, delivering real change for all families.” 

The Board’s Terms of Reference will now be developed in partnership with families, staff and stakeholders, with the first meeting to take place later in the year. Progress updates will be shared publicly on a regular basis.