CQC NUH Prosecution hearing following death of three babies to take place
By Sadie Simpson
A Care Quality Commission (CQC) prosecution hearing concerning Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust is scheduled to take place next week.
The CQC has the power to prosecute health and social care providers in England in cases where it believes that failures in care were intentional or avoidable. The regulator can take legal action against both organisations and individuals, and if a provider is found guilty, the court can impose an unlimited fine.
Sadie Simpson , a medical negligence expert at Switalskis, who represented a number of the families involved, will be in attendance at the hearing.
She said: "This CQC prosecution is yet another acknowledgment of the serious safety concerns within the trust’s maternity services. For years, families and staff have raised alarm bells about the quality of care at NUH, and tragically, the consequences have been devastating. This case reinforces the urgent need for meaningful and lasting improvements.
“It is our hope that, following the conclusion of the hearing, the trust and the government not only takes on board the CQC’s findings but also implements real changes to ensure safe care for all patients.”
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is currently at the centre of the Ockenden Review, the largest maternity inquiry in NHS history, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden. The review was commissioned following widespread concerns about failings in maternity care at the trust.
The review team is examining more than 2000 cases, including stillbirths, deaths, maternal deaths, and instances of harm, to determine systemic failures and identify necessary improvements. Families affected by poor maternity care at NUH have described distressing experiences, including delays in recognising complications, inadequate responses to emergencies, and a failure to listen to concerns.
Sadie Simpson from Switalskis added: “These prosecutions must serve as a turning point—accountability must lead to action. Maternity services are fundamental to public health, and they must be safe, compassionate, and of the highest standard, both in Nottingham and across the country."
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For further information or to request an interview with Sadie please contact the Switalskis Press Consultant Ashlea McConnell, who can be contacted via ashlea@dmacomms.co.uk or on 07852 282802.
Sadie has worked in medical negligence for over 10 years. She’s an Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team.
