Sussex Maternity Services Independent Review Announced
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Jodi Newton
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Independent review announced for maternity services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust
On 15 April 2026, Wes Streeting MP announced that the planned independent investigation into maternity services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust will be led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden.
Ms Ockenden is well known for leading the investigation into maternity services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. She is working on similar reviews in Nottingham and Leeds. While the scope of the review at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust is not yet clear, the announcement of a review by such a highly regarded specialist will come as a relief to families and campaign groups who have worked tirelessly for a thorough and fair investigation.
Jodi Newton, Head of Birth and Paediatric Injury at Osbornes Law comments:
“We hope the review leads to meaningful changes and that the voices of families are heard. I would encourage families to come forward and share their stories with the investigation team. Those accounts are vital and may help to shape recommended changes.”
Osbornes Law represents multiple families who have suffered harm as a result of negligence by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust. The cases we have seen are tragic, frequently involving avoidable harm to mother or child.
Last August, Senior Associate Nick Leahy was interviewed by BBC South East Today regarding one such tragic case. Nick spoke about the pattern of failures he had seen and the need to learn from poor outcomes.
Watch Nick’s interview with the BBC and learn more.
How can we help?
If you or a loved one have been affected by maternity or neonatal negligence, our specialist maternity and birth negligence team are here to help you seek justice and ensure your voice contributes to the push for safer, more accountable maternity care. Please get in touch by:
- completing our online enquiry form;
- or calling us on 020 7485 8811
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Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
The team has particular expertise in cases stemming from delays in diagnosis as well as surgical injury and wrongful birth claims.
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Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.
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The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients
Stephanie has developed a particularly strong reputation for her handling of birth injury claims, as well as cases concerning surgical negligence and delays in surgery.
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