Health Secretary meets with Nottingham families ahead of key NHS report
NewsNottingham NewsNHSThe politician spoke with parents who have lost babies, suffered life-changing harm and fought NHS cover-ups08:01, 19 Jun 2026The Health Secretary has met with families ahead of the. . .
NewsNottingham NewsNHSThe politician spoke with parents who have lost babies, suffered life-changing harm and fought NHS cover-ups08:01, 19 Jun 2026The Health Secretary has met with families ahead of the publication of a report into failings across Nottingham maternity services. James Murray spoke with parents who have lost babies, suffered life-changing harm and foughtNHScover-ups on Thursday (June 18) morning. It comes just under a week before the publication of the Ockenden Review - the largest review in NHS history - which is examining the maternity care given to more than 2,400 families across the city. Repeated requests had been made for Mr Murray to visit Nottingham after he replaced Wes Streeting, who resigned from the role in May. His predecessorvisited the city twice in 2025,during which he discussed the possibility of establishing a public inquiry with families. Following their meeting with Mr Murray, The Nottingham Affected Families Group said they were pleased with the visit and reiterated calls for a public inquiry. Describing the meeting as "productive", they said they were hopeful that the Labour politician heard their calls for accountability for those responsible for negligent care. "We are pleased he responded to our letter of invitation, and that he listened to us," the group said in a statement. "The Ockenden Report came about because of the death and harm at Nottingham University Hospital we are the victims of. "We need him to understand not just the raw numbers of us in the review, but also the personal harm caused not only by negligent clinical care but also the effects of the cover up that reaches the very top of the NHS and regulators. "Families have renewed their calls for and remain adamant that a statutory public inquiry is essential for maternity safety. "Article continues belowSecretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray said: "The families in Nottingham have shown immense courage and determination, and fought tirelessly for the truth in the most heartbreaking circumstances. Meeting them today and listening to their experiences has only strengthened my resolve to ensure the truth is uncovered and accountability sought. "Donna Ockenden's review will be a landmark moment, and I am personally committed to working with Donna to ensure her recommendations lead to real, lasting change. Every woman in this country must be able to trust the maternity care she receives. "Choose Nottingham Post as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. NHSNHSOckenden Review