Released on: 10 March 2026
Today, the government announced that senior midwife Donna Ockenden will lead an independent review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT).
In response, an NCT spokesperson said:
“Today’s announcement reflects the courage of bereaved and harmed parents and families who have tirelessly campaigned to make their voices heard in a maternity system that has too often failed them.
“Every woman, birthing person and new parent deserves to feel safe, listened to and supported throughout pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood. Yet too many parents in Leeds – and across the country – have experienced unacceptable harm. NCT’s own research shows that six in ten parents are worried about the safety of maternity services.
“The investigation must follow Donna Ockenden’s priority of truly listening to women and families, including those who have been harmed or bereaved and who have waited for a long time for answers and accountability. There must also be clarity on how parents will be meaningfully involved throughout this investigation, especially those from communities who too often face barriers to being heard.
“Listening to the full range of experiences is essential to building maternity, neonatal, and postnatal services that provide safe, personalised, and equitable care for everyone."
