Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is establishing an independent 'improvement board' to provide oversight on the implementation of recommendations following a comprehensive review of its maternity services. A Member of Parliament (MP) is set to lead this new board, which aims to ensure robust scrutiny of the changes being made.
The trust has been under significant scrutiny due to past maternity failings, which have resulted in substantial financial settlements and significant prosecution fines related to baby deaths. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has paid out £117 million in compensation and incurred two record prosecution fines over the deaths of babies.
The new board is intended to offer "independent check and challenge on the delivery of improvements." According to the trust's chief executive, the publication of the review was an "important milestone in a journey that must continue." He emphasized the necessity of strong, independent oversight for the implementation of the review's findings, stating a commitment to a comprehensive and sustained response to every action point.
"Two years ago, we made a public commitment to ensure continued scrutiny of our maternity services, and this board is a key part of delivering on that promise," the chief executive said. The trust plans to publish a detailed action plan in the coming weeks, outlining how each recommendation will be addressed with clear timelines and assigned accountability. The process will involve families and staff in shaping the response and holding the trust accountable.
The board's terms of reference will be developed in collaboration with families, staff, and stakeholders. The first meeting is scheduled to take place later in the year, with progress updates to be shared publicly on a regular basis. The trust will work closely with the Learning and Improvement Board, NHS England, regulators, commissioners, local families, partners, and maternity experts to ensure that improvements are delivered and sustained.