Review reveals racism in Nottingham’s maternity services

The BBC reports that an investigation led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden has uncovered numerous instances of racist and discriminatory behavior within Nottingham Hospital’s maternity service.

The inquiry began with concerns over 1,813 incidents involving stillbirths, maternal and child deaths and incidents of harm, and has since expanded to include a further 70 incidents.

In a letter to Anthony May, CEO of Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, Mr Ockenden highlighted the racism service users have experienced from various carers within the maternity service. It detailed numerous explanations of discrimination.

Mr Ockenden gave several examples, including one in which a mother said she had sheets thrown at her because she demanded a bloody bed be changed. Another mother who tragically lost her child reported witnessing staff members making fun of her accent and behavior, and her co-workers laughing as well.

Furthermore, Roma women expressed concern about the frequent assignment of culturally insensitive male interpreters. It also pointed out that guidance on “safe sleep” for new mothers was only available in English.

Obstetric leaders highlighted reports from numerous individuals that non-white patients were treated with more disrespect and contempt than white patients on maternity wards.

“I have been making repeated home visits to families and unfortunately have once again heard about racism, discrimination, lack of kindness and disrespect from staff. Queen’s Hospital, City Hospital, the wonderful Mary Potter I know, and I hear from families, that community clinics like the center have staff working to the best of their ability every day,” Ockenden said. As the BBC said.

“However, many members of the community have raised concerns with me and my investigation team about poor behavior and inadequate care.”

Following these revelations, Prime Minister Theresa May acknowledged the seriousness of the findings and expressed the trust’s commitment to swiftly addressing the issues.

May said plans are underway to implement training programs focused on cultural competency, improve interpretation services and increase diversity in the maternity workforce.

However, it emphasized the need for comprehensive improvements across all services to ensure inclusivity and eliminate discrimination.

It also expressed its regret if anyone had encountered racism within the hospital, stressed that such behavior was unacceptable and confirmed its commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment within the trust.

He also pointed out that the trust’s efforts were making improvements, as shown by recent inspections carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

NUH continues to maintain its overall ‘requires improvement’ rating, assessed by the CQC following inspections carried out in April and June.

Ockenden’s investigation is ongoing and its findings are expected to be completed by September 2025.

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