Leeds Maternity Review Sets Out Plans to Examine Harm and Families’ Concerns

The government has published the terms of reference for an independent review into maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, setting out how the experiences of women, babies and families will be examined.

Donna Ockenden is chairing the review, which follows concerns raised by families and regulatory findings about care. The scope covers maternity and neonatal treatment from 1 January 2011 through 31 March 2028 in cases involving serious harm or death.

What the investigation will examine

The terms of reference say the review will consider the quality and safety of care, whether concerns raised by families and staff were handled appropriately, and how lessons can be identified. The work includes individual case reviews alongside examination of wider practice and systems.

Families at the centre

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, affected families have helped shape the terms of reference. That involvement matters because the review is intended to account for both clinical records and families’ experiences, including the way they were treated when questions were raised.

Next stages

Engagement with families began in April 2026, family meetings started in July and case reviews are expected to begin in November. The review has a final reporting deadline of 31 March 2029. Any emerging learning may be shared sooner to allow safety improvements before publication of the full report.

The inquiry’s establishment should not be confused with completed findings in individual cases. Keep Updated UK will report recommendations and verified evidence as they emerge, while avoiding premature conclusions about staff or cases that remain under examination.