Manslaughter case introduced into Nottingham child deaths

A company manslaughter investigation has been opened into failings that resulted in loads of small children loss of life or being injured at maternity gadgets in Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire Police mentioned it used to be analyzing whether or not maternity care supplied by way of the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS agree with were grossly negligent.

The agree with is on the centre of the biggest maternity inquiry within the historical past of the NHS, with about 2,500 instances of neonatal deaths, stillbirths and hurt to moms and small children being tested by way of impartial midwife Donna Ockenden.

The police investigation will centre on two maternity gadgets overseen by way of the agree with, which runs the Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital.

NUH mentioned it used to be “deeply sorry for the pain and suffering caused”, and it used to be “absolutely right” that duty used to be taken.

In a remark at the drive’s web page, Det Supt Matthew Croome, from the investigation workforce, mentioned company manslaughter used to be a “serious criminal offence”.

He mentioned: “The offence 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.

“In such an investigation we want to see if the full accountability lies with the organisation reasonably than particular people and my investigation will glance to establish if there may be proof that the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has dedicated this offence.”

The force said its investigation into deaths and serious injuries related to NUH’s maternity care – called Operation Perth – had seen more than 200 family cases referred to it so far.

The announcement comes 4 months after the agree with used to be fined £1.6m for “avoidable failings” connected to the deaths of three babies in 2021.

Campaigners Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins, parents of Harriet who was stillborn in 2016, said the development was “one piece of the jigsaw against duty”.

They added: “Harriet will have to be 9 years previous. Our lives have been totally destroyed by way of the unattainable and repeated trauma by the hands of NUH.

“A prosecution for corporate manslaughter will only penalise the trust, not the individuals responsible, many of whom are still working today.

“We should by no means lose sight of particular person duty for individuals who so cruelly stole now not simply our daughter’s lifestyles and voice, however many others.”

A joint statement from the hospital trust’s chair Nick Carver and its chief executive Anthony May said: “Since becoming a member of the board, we now have emphasized the significance of openness, transparency and duty in our management and decision-making. We recognise that there’s extra to do.

“We are fully committed to the ongoing police investigation and the Independent Review of Maternity Services, led by Donna Ockenden.

“We want to reassure the general public that we’re made up our minds to support our maternity products and services.

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