Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “On Wednesday I met with Donna Ockenden to discuss her Independent Review into maternity cases of potentially significant concern at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) and to build up a clearer picture of the work that is taking place.
We want to work alongside the review but also ensure that we do not hinder its progress.
However, I am in a position to say we are preparing to launch a police investigation
I have appointed the Assistant Chief Constable, Rob Griffin to oversee the preparations and the subsequent investigation.
We are currently looking at the work being done in Shrewsbury and Telford by West Mercia Police to understand how they conducted their investigation alongside Donna Ockenden’s review and any lessons learnt.
Now we have met with Donna Ockenden we plan to hold preliminary discussions with some local families in the near future.
Anthony May, Chief executive of NUH has committed to fully cooperate with this Police Investigation”
Donna Ockenden, Chair of the Independent Review of Maternity Services at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said: ‘I welcome the news that the new Chief Constable Kate Meynell has decided to commence an investigation into maternity services. I know that a number of the affected families have been asking for this for many years.
As the Review Chair my team and I are absolutely committed to working with the Police. I am grateful to the Chief Constable for her assurance that the Police investigation will not delay the progress of our work.
Having spoken to hundreds of families in the last year I am very aware that this news whilst long awaited may well be unsettling for many families. Please remember that support is available for all families who are part of the review. There is information on our website and our team can help you with a referral for that support. You can reach out to us via [email protected]
My team and I also recognise that this is a difficult time for maternity staff at the Trust. We recognise that the vast majority of staff give of their very best every day of the week. If you have not already done so – we encourage you to reach out to the Review team via [email protected]’