People First are deeply saddened by the findings of the independent review into maternity and neonatal services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, published on 24 June 2026.
The review describes devastating harm experienced by women, babies and families, and highlights the lifelong impact when people are not listened to, protected, or treated with the honesty and care they deserve. Our thoughts are with every family affected, including those who have fought for many years to be heard, believed, and given answers.
While the findings from Nottingham are deeply upsetting, many of the themes will feel familiar to families across the country who have experienced harm, loss or trauma in maternity and neonatal care. Too often, families describe feeling alone at the worst point in their lives: not listened to, not given clear information, left to fight for answers, or made to feel that their concerns did not matter.
Through our Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy pilot in the North East and North Cumbria, People First has stood alongside women, birthing people and families following adverse outcomes in maternity and neonatal care. The pilot helped families to be heard by the services responsible for their care and supported people through processes that can be complex, emotional, and deeply distressing.
Families involved in this work have been clear: independent advocacy matters. In the aftermath of harm, families are often trying to grieve, care for one another, and make sense of what has happened, while also facing letters, meetings, and formal processes that can feel overwhelming. At the point when people most need kindness, honesty and time, many describe feeling lost in the system. Having someone independent beside them can make a profound difference, helping to ensure they are not carrying the burden alone and that their voices are not lost.
People First’s own learning reflects many of the issues now being highlighted nationally. Families have described poor communication, long delays in getting answers, lack of transparency, inaccessible information, concerns not being taken seriously, insensitive language, and complaints or investigations that felt difficult to understand.
These experiences can be even harder for people who already face barriers to being heard, including people from minoritised communities, people for whom English is not their first language, neurodivergent people, young parents, non-birthing partners and wider family members.
People First are disappointed that NHS England brought the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy pilot to an end. At a time when concern about maternity and neonatal safety is so significant, and while the wider national review led by Baroness Amos is still awaited, ending a service that families said made a real difference feels short sighted.
The pilot generated important learning, built trust with families and services, demonstrated the value of early independent support, and exposed the risks of gatekeeping, blocked or delayed referrals. People First believe this learning must not be lost.
The Nottingham review is a stark reminder that families should never have to battle to be believed. When something has gone wrong, people need honesty, compassion, clear communication, and support that is independent of the organisations involved in their care. They need space to ask questions, time to understand what happened, and confidence that their experiences will lead to real learning and change.
People First believe independent advocacy should be part of the national response to maternity and neonatal harm. It should be offered early, clearly, and consistently to families following serious incidents, loss or avoidable harm. It should be accessible to everyone, including those who face additional barriers to being heard, and should help ensure that families are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Every family deserves to be heard, believed, and supported, especially when they have experienced harm. Their voices, grief, and courage must now shape what happens next.
Kellie Woodley, Strategic Development at People First, said:
“The findings from Nottingham are devastating, and our thoughts are with every family who has experienced loss, trauma or harm. Through our maternity and neonatal advocacy pilot, we heard how important it is for families to have someone independent beside them when they are trying to understand what happened, ask difficult questions and make sure their voice is not lost.
We were disappointed that NHS England ended the pilot at a time when concern about maternity and neonatal safety is so significant, and while the wider review led by Baroness Amos is still awaited. This was a service that families told us made a real difference. It had already benefited from significant investment and generated vital learning. That learning must not be lost.
Families should never have to fight to be heard. Independent advocacy should be part of how we respond to harm, rebuild trust and make maternity and neonatal care safer, kinder and more compassionate.”
If you require support and information you can contact our Advocacy Hub:
Helpline: 03003 038037
Call our helpline for information, guidance and support.
9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
If we can’t help, we will help you find someone who can.
or email: [email protected]