Llais responds to publication of Ockenden Review of maternity services

The Ockenden Review, published today, sets out findings, conclusions and essential actions following the Independent Review of Maternity Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, highlighting distressing experiences of women and families in England. 

At its heart are the voices of thousands of families who have experienced loss, harm and trauma. Their experiences reinforce why it is so important that what people share is used to inform safer, more consistent care. 

Many of the issues identified in this review - particularly around listening to women, communication, organisational culture and learning from incidents - reflect themes we have heard from people in Wales through our own work, and through the All Wales Maternity and Neonatal Assurance Assessment.  

The consistency of these themes across multiple reports, and across different parts of the UK, should make us stop and take notice. It underlines the need for focused, sustained action to improve care for women and families. 

We know many women in Wales receive good care, but we also continue to hear where experiences fall short.  

Since sharing what we heard from women and their families in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area last year, we have continued to actively use people’s experiences to inform and influence our work with NHS organisations and partners, helping to drive improvement for women and families in Wales. 

Roxanne Treacy, Director of Communication, Engagement and Insight, and Llais’ strategic lead for maternity and neonatal, said: “The experiences set out in this report are deeply upsetting, and our thoughts are with the women and families affected. We know how difficult it can be for people to share what happened to them and their loved ones, and the impact this can have. It is so important that these voices lead to meaningful and lasting improvement. 

“We will continue to support people in Wales to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal services, and to actively use what we hear to influence improvements in care.” 

If you live in Wales and have been affected by the issues raised in this report, please get in touch. You can share you experience or access support to raise a concern or complaint.  

Every story we hear helps us represent people's voices and advocate for better care.  

Contact Llais: [email protected] / 02920 235 558