LONDON, UK, June 24, 2026 – A clinical negligence solicitor has stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and meaningful answers for families impacted by the Nottingham maternity scandal as the long-awaited Ockenden Review reaches its conclusion.
Donna Ockenden is set to release the final findings of her independent investigation into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust on 24 June 2026. Widely regarded as the largest maternity inquiry ever undertaken within the NHS, the review has examined around 2,500 cases involving care provided between 2012 and 2025.
The investigation focuses on maternity services delivered at Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital. Earlier reports have outlined the substantial personal and financial consequences linked to maternity care failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, including significant compensation payouts and associated legal costs.
Hakim Zadi, Clinical Negligence Lawyer at Law Lane Solicitors, is available to speak with affected families about their legal rights and the ways compensation may help fund rehabilitation, specialist care, support services and long-term recovery.
Hakim Zadi said:
“The publication of the Ockenden Report represents a landmark moment for many families. For some, it may finally deliver the answers they have spent years seeking. For others, it could prompt serious questions about whether the treatment they or their child received met the standards that should have been expected.
“I would like to acknowledge both Donna Ockenden and the families who have campaigned tirelessly to bring these issues to light. Independent reviews of this scale play a critical role in identifying not only individual mistakes but also wider systemic shortcomings that can place mothers, babies and families in danger.
“It is troubling that considerable resources are often spent settling clinical negligence claims after avoidable injuries have occurred. Greater emphasis should be placed on preventing harm before it happens. Independent oversight, regular audits, appropriate staffing levels, comprehensive training and genuine accountability should form the foundation of patient safety throughout NHS Trusts.
“Patients place a tremendous amount of trust in healthcare providers, often during some of the most difficult and vulnerable periods of their lives. That trust comes with a significant responsibility. When standards of care are not met, the impact can be life-changing for those affected.
“Families dealing with the consequences of negligent maternity care should know that support is available. Specialist legal advice can help them understand their position, obtain answers about what happened and, where appropriate, pursue compensation to assist with ongoing care, rehabilitation and future requirements.
“While compensation can provide valuable financial support, it cannot reverse the harm that has been done. It should never be viewed as an alternative to preventing avoidable injuries. The focus must remain on openness, learning from mistakes, addressing underlying problems and ensuring that similar failings are not repeated.”
Families affected by negligent maternity treatment in England and Wales may be entitled to pursue compensation regardless of whether their case was included within the Ockenden Review. To succeed in a clinical negligence claim, it is generally necessary to demonstrate that the care received fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent healthcare professional and that this resulted in injury, loss or damage.
Strict time limits may apply. In many clinical negligence matters, proceedings must be started within three years from the date a person became aware, or should reasonably have become aware, that negligent treatment may have caused injury or loss. Different limitation rules can apply in cases involving children, fatal accidents or individuals who lack mental capacity. Seeking specialist legal advice at an early stage is therefore advisable.
Law Lane Solicitors represents clients in a wide range of clinical negligence claims, including cases involving maternity negligence. The firm offers confidential consultations with no obligation to proceed. Suitable cases may be accepted on a no-win, no-fee basis, subject to assessment.
