Leading legal expert highlights Martha’s Rule change as “enormous” for families following “harrowing” Ockenden review

CL Medilaw Partner and birth injury specialist in our Nottingham team, Gemma Bedford, believes this is a major takeaway from the report

“Martha’s rule is a relatively recent rule which allows you to seek a second opinion of your medical care if you are not happy. Before now, that didn’t extend to maternity care, but, as a result of today’s findings, that will now change. 

“This will be a key difference to maternity services and is enormous for families as it allows them to be able to ask for a second opinion and allow any concerns you raise to be listened to – giving mothers and families the additional voice should they need it.”

Speaking more generally in reaction to the report, Gemma says Ockenden’s review is a harrowing read:

“The impact of the uncovered truths for the families around Nottingham will spread far and wide. The findings will be extremely distressing, and the families will need support to come to terms with what’s been highlighted. It is hoped that it will provide them with some answers and most importantly some accountability for what they have been saying went wrong. I think everyone must rally around to provide that support. As it has been acknowledged, the report has only come about because of the determination, resilience and courage of the families and that must be applauded. 

“In terms of moving on from the report and acting on it, the findings must force real change now. Maternity care in the UK is not just a problem in Nottingham as it stems further across the country. It is hoped that together with next week’s Amos Report that changes will be implemented to ensure safer maternity care for mothers and babies nationally – and that’s very much overdue. 

“We need to see Amos publication roll out build on what’s been highlighted today and roll out an urgent action plan to ensure families are protected in the future and feel safe when having a baby because the figure around the number of mothers and babies harmed or killed as a result of poor maternity care is startling but sadly, unsurprising. 

“We speak to families daily about their experiences with maternity care and I think it’s clear from Donna’s report that concerns raised by families have been present for decades now. That must change. 

“Going forward, I think the Trust have to acknowledge and accept Donna Ockenden’s findings and work with Donna and the wider public to ensure her recommendations are implemented – and it’s important that is seen, rather than heard. It sounds promising from the statement that has been provided already from the trust that they will do all that they can to action what is required to overhaul maternity services in Nottingham. That’s what we must hope for. 

“I would continually encourage clients or otherwise to continue displaying the courage in speaking up and keep using their voices to bring this issue to the forefront. I think this inquiry has shown that determination does work and it will pay off. I think it’s important that everyone takes note of Donna’s findings because it shows the power of what can happen and what can be actioned if people’s voices are heard.”