After nearly two decades of maternity care failings, it was announced in June 2025 by Wes Streeting, the Health and Social Care Secretary, that there would be a rapid, national investigation into maternity and neonatal services. This week, the 14 NHS Trusts to be investigated were named including Oxford, Leeds, Gloucestershire and Morecambe Bay.
This announcement follows over a year of campaigning by the group Families Failed by OUH Maternity Services. Over 620 families have joined the group since it was founded in June 2024, and they have been calling for a “full independent inquiry into the systemic failures with Oxford University Hospitals Maternity Services”. The allegations against the Trust date back to 2007, with families sharing their experiences which have highlighted patterns of failures in care. The common experiences shared include deaths of babies, babies harmed at birth, a ban on maternal-request caesareans, physical and psychological harm to women, and failures to listen to women among many other concerns.
The maternity unit at Oxford University Hospitals was rated “requires improvement” in its last inspection by the Care Quality Commission in September 2021. The CQC highlighted issues surrounding maintaining patient dignity and safety concerns, which were repeatedly highlighted by the campaign group.
The national investigation has been welcomed by Families Failed by OUH Maternity services, with the campaign co-founder, Rebecca Matthews, stating that the group is “pleased and relieved” that OUH has been included in the review, and they hope that the Trust will be held accountable as a result.
Support from Clinical Negligence Solicitors
Our thoughts are with those affected.
We must continue to raise awareness of issues with maternity safety and encourage those affected to speak out. The experiences shared highlight the deeply concerning patterns of care which must be urgently addressed. Taylor Emmet has expertise in representing families throughout the country who have been impacted by maternity care issues.
If you or a family member think that you may have suffered clinical negligence, either during pregnancy, childbirth or afterwards, there may be a claim for compensation. We are empathetic and experienced lawyers who can guide you through the process, whilst providing you with the support you deserve to come to terms with your grief or injuries you have sustained.
For a free and confidential discussion about whether you may have a claim for clinical negligence, please get in touch with our experts at clinnegenquiryteam@tayloremmet.co.uk or call 0114 218 4000.