A major Sussex maternity review has been launched into services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust after families whose babies died or were harmed said they believe more cases may have gone unreported.
The independent investigation will be led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, following an announcement by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The review aims to examine maternity care practices and provide clarity for affected families seeking accountability.
Parents and campaigners say the number of families impacted by maternity failings could be higher than currently known, urging others to come forward as the review begins.
Bereaved families speak out on trauma and accountability
Families who have experienced loss say the Sussex maternity review offers a chance to uncover the full extent of failures and prevent future tragedies. Among them are Chelsea Gowar and Oliver Thompson, who lost their daughter Bonnie in 2025.
Their baby was born prematurely at 26 weeks following an emergency transfer and caesarean section. After receiving intensive care and being transferred back to a local hospital, she was given a blood transfusion and died later the same day.
Gowar said she hopes the review leads to “true accountability” and that the trust takes responsibility for the harm suffered by families. Thompson added that no parent should have to endure such trauma and expressed hope that their experience could help drive change.
Other bereaved parents echoed similar concerns, describing the emotional and financial toll of losing a child and navigating the aftermath. Many said they had faced long periods of grief, counselling, and disruption to their lives while seeking answers.
Campaign groups urge more families to come forward
Families affected by maternity care issues have formed a campaign group, Truth for Our Babies, to support one another and push for greater transparency. Members say the group played a key role in securing the appointment of Ockenden to lead the investigation.
Campaigners believe additional cases may exist and are encouraging other families to share their experiences. They argue that collecting more testimonies will help build a clearer picture of systemic problems within the trust.
Parents involved in the campaign say their goal is not only accountability but also meaningful reform to improve maternity safety standards across the NHS.
Trust pledges cooperation and highlights recent improvements
The chief executive of the trust, Dr Andy Heeps, said the organisation would fully support the Sussex maternity review and work to ensure families receive the answers they are seeking.
He acknowledged the devastating impact of losing a baby and offered condolences to affected families, while also stating that improvements have been made in recent years to enhance safety and quality of care.
The trust said it remains committed to transparency and continuous improvement, emphasising that rebuilding trust with patients will require ongoing effort and openness.
Previous maternity scandals prompt national scrutiny
The appointment of Donna Ockenden carries significant weight due to her role in previous high-profile investigations into NHS maternity services. Her earlier review into Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust uncovered one of the largest maternity scandals in NHS history, revealing widespread failings in care.
She is also leading a major ongoing review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, highlighting broader concerns about patient safety and standards across the NHS.
In recent years, maternity care in England has come under increased scrutiny, with multiple investigations identifying issues such as poor communication, delays in treatment, and inadequate clinical decision-making.
Health authorities have introduced reforms aimed at improving outcomes for mothers and babies, including enhanced training, stricter safety protocols, and greater oversight. However, campaigners argue that systemic issues persist and require sustained attention.
Families seek answers and long-term change
For many families, the Sussex maternity review represents an opportunity to finally understand what went wrong and ensure that lessons are learned. Parents say the process must lead to meaningful accountability and tangible improvements in care.
They stress that while no review can undo their loss, it can help protect future families and restore confidence in maternity services.
As the investigation gets under way, there are growing calls for a thorough and transparent process that addresses both individual cases and wider systemic issues within the NHS.