Nottingham NHS Maternity Review Finds 520 Avoidable Harms; Adviser Says Key Section Was Removed Before Publication

A review of 2,500 Nottingham NHS maternity cases found 520 mothers and babies suffered avoidable harm or death, while a separate national review was undermined by omissions.

A review covering 2,500 maternity cases at Nottingham NHS Trust between 2012 and 2025 has identified what is being described as the biggest childbirth scandal in NHS history, finding that 520 mothers and babies suffered harm or died from causes that were potentially avoidable. The review, led by Valerie Amos, uncovered systemic and deep-rooted failures within the trust, including a bullying culture and evidence of racism affecting patient care. Families affected have called for a full public inquiry. Dr Bill Kirkup, an adviser to the review, has publicly criticised the process, saying the author 'listened to wrong voices' and revealing that a section of the report criticising 'normal birth ideology' was removed before publication. Critics have also said the review falls short in addressing systemic racism and the full scope of traumatic births. Separately, NHS data suggests serious birth injuries are rising across England more broadly, with around 31 in every 1,000 women facing serious haemorrhage or tears — a trend described as a 'national crisis'. The review sets out recommendations for government including greater transparency, new standards, and a new commissioner, though debate continues over whether these measures are sufficient.

Why it matters

The Nottingham findings represent the largest childbirth scandal identified within the NHS, affecting hundreds of families and raising urgent questions about systemic failures in maternity services across England. The resignation of Dr Bill Kirkup from the national review, citing the removal of criticism about 'normal birth' ideology, suggests unresolved disputes about how to address root causes at a national level.

What's next

Calls for a public inquiry into the Nottingham trust are ongoing, and the government must respond to the Amos review's recommendations on transparency, standards, and a new maternity commissioner.

Key facts

• 520 mothers and babies at Nottingham NHS Trust suffered 'potentially avoidable' harm or died, according to the review
• The review examined approximately 2,500 cases spanning 2012 to 2025
• Findings included systemic failures, a bullying culture, and racism within the trust
• Dr Bill Kirkup resigned from the government-commissioned Amos national maternity review, citing removal of criticism of the 'normal birth drive'
• The separate Amos review sets out national recommendations but has been criticised for falling short on systemic racism and traumatic births
• Queen's Hospital in Romford was cited as a positive example, having improved its rating by hiring more staff and providing interpreter services

Bias & framing notes

The Guardian provided the majority of sources and framed the story with strong emphasis on failure, scandal, and the inadequacy of official responses — including a critical take on whether the Amos review 'goes far enough.' The BBC's reporting focused specifically on Dr Kirkup's resignation and the omission dispute, offering a distinct institutional angle not prominently featured in the Guardian's coverage. No sources offered a sustained defence of the trust or the government's handling.

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