NHS REPORT FLAGGED MATERNITY CONCERNS BEFORE BABY DEATH

A previously unpublished workplace review documented serious concerns regarding staffing, workload and culture at Nottingham City Hospital's maternity unit in March 2016, days before the stillbirth of baby Harriet Hawkins. The external review, conducted by a workplace psychologist between December 2015 and March 2016, interviewed 49 staff members including doctors and midwives. Donna Ockenden, who leads the current review into baby deaths at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, stated that concerns about the maternity services were known at the time of Harriet Hawkins's death. Ms Ockenden will publish her findings on 24 June.

The 2016 review praised staff commitment but identified problems with workload, inappropriate behaviour and workplace culture. The Care Quality Commission raised concerns about culture at the unit following an inspection visit. Staff reported in the review being "mildly to moderately short-staffed all the time" and described immense pressure, with some stating they left work in tears. The review was initiated after letters sent to maternity staff and unusual observations during an inspection visit, including an empty energy drink can left in a clean delivery room and butter smeared on a birthing pool.

The previously unpublished report raises questions about whether warning signs were sufficiently addressed following its completion. The Hawkins case eventually prompted the largest review of maternity failings in the NHS. Ms Ockenden's current investigation covers multiple baby deaths across Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The findings will be released on 24 June.