NHS trust investigated for potential corporate manslaughter offences

An NHS trust is being investigated for potential corporate manslaughter offences, police say.

Nottinghamshire Police said its investigation follows deaths and serious injuries allegedly related to maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. The force launched a criminal investigation in September 2023, after concerns were raised linked to maternity services.

More than 2,000 experiences of maternity care at the trust are currently being looked at as part of the largest-ever NHS maternity review, led by former senior midwife Donna Ockenden. The trust says it is "fully committed" to both the police investigation and the independent review.

The parents of a baby who was stillborn under the trust's care said the fresh investigation was "just one piece of the jigsaw towards accountability". Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins both worked for the trust, until the death of their daughter Harriet in 2016.

They said their lives were "completely destroyed by the unimaginable and repeated trauma". "We will continue to fight for justice, not only for Harriet, but for all those whose lives have shattered," they added.

The Nottingham affected families group said in a statement that the investigation was "welcome" but that no probe would "ever reverse the harm and suffering". Detective Superintendent Matthew Croome said the investigation into potential corporate manslaughter had now "formally commenced".

"The offences relates to circumstances where an organisation has been grossly negligent in the management of its activities, which has then led to a person's death," he added. "In such an investigation, we are looking to see if the overall responsibility lies with the organisation rather than specific individuals, and my investigation will look to ascertain if there is evidence that the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has committed this offence." Read more from Sky News:Personal trainer jailed over 'first date' chase that ended in crashMan convicted after burning Koran outside Turkish consulate The Nottingham affected families group said the announcement of the investigation was "one of mixed emotions".

"We wholeheartedly welcome and support the investigation into corporate manslaughter at NUH," it added. "It is also tinged with sadness that it has taken so many tragedies for this investigation to have been opened." The group said families had "repeatedly raised concerns over maternity safety, only to be ignored and turned away" over many years.

"Had our concerns been listened to and acted upon, lives could have been saved," it added. "No investigation will ever reverse the harm and suffering that thousands of families have endured, but right now, families are feeling an immense sense of vindication." Nick Carver, chair of the trust, and Anthony May, its chief executive, said they were "determined to improve our maternity services".

"We know how important the police investigation and independent review are for the affected families, the trust and our local communities," they added. "We hope that affected families receive the answers that they deserve.".