Concerns about maternity and neonatal care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have been building for several years, leading to the launch of an independent maternity review.
In this video, CL Medilaw Partner Fran Manley shares her perspective on how we reached this point, why families have been central to the inquiry, and what the review could mean for those affected.
Watch her response below.
Key Points From Fran's Response
Drawing on her experience supporting families affected by birth injuries, Fran highlights several key points around the Leeds Maternity Review:
Families Drove the Review
The Leeds inquiry is family-led in origin, driven by parents who repeatedly raised concerns about the safety and culture within services at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital. Their efforts resulted in the government announcing an investigation in October 2025, followed by the appointment of Donna Ockenden to lead the review.
Families Are Helping to Shape the Inquiry
The initial meeting with Donna Ockenden marked the beginning of a long and detailed process. Families were invited to help shape the Terms of Reference, understand how the review will work, and share their experiences directly with the review team to ensure their concerns are heard.
The Review Will Examine Wider System Failings
Ockenden’s previous work in Nottingham identified systemic failings including repeated clinical errors, poor escalation of concerns, inadequate investigations and a culture where families were not listened to. Leeds is expected to follow a similar approach, examining both individual cases and wider patterns across maternity services.
This Will Be a Long-Term Process
The review will continue over a significant period of time, with further meetings planned to finalise the Terms of Reference and outline the next stages. Listening to families will remain central to understanding what happened and identifying what must change.
Learn More About the Leeds Maternity Review
For a deeper understanding of the inquiry and the wider issues surrounding maternity safety, you may also find these articles helpful:
- Donna Ockenden leads Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust maternity review.
- Independent Inquiry Announced into Maternity Services in Leeds Following “Repeated Failures”.
- Increasing Concerns for Mothers and Babies at Leeds General Infirmary following Maternity Safety Report.
- Baroness Amos interim maternity review: key findings.
Support Is Available for Families
Support for families remains a crucial part of this journey. CL Medilaw can offer signposting to a wide range of local and national charities and organisations, alongside a supportive space to discuss concerns. For families who wish to explore issues relating to their care, we can offer legal advice to help them understand their options and feel supported throughout the inquiry process.
If you would like to speak with someone in confidence about your experience of maternity care, our specialist birth injury team is here to listen. Offering free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your options and the support available.
Call us today on 0345 2410 154 or email enquiries@clmedilaw.co.uk. Alternatively, complete our short contact form to arrange a convenient time to talk.
