Nottingham maternity inquiry hampered as former executives refuse to cooperate
Parents say they have lost hope of accountability after former Nottingham hospital leaders refused to give evidence to the independent review.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
An independent review into maternity failings at Nottingham University Hospital's NHS trust has found that 155 babies could have survived with better care, and a further 105 newborns suffered serious harm. The review, published in June, also found that dozens of former executives at the trust refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Parents of the affected babies say they have lost all hope that the NHS will hold to account those responsible. The BBC has tracked down two former leaders: Keith Girling, the trust's medical director for seven years, and Eric Morton, its chairman for four years. Girling declined to comment when approached, while Morton claimed he never received a warning letter about a staffing crisis in 2018.
Jack and Sarah Hawkins, who raised concerns with Girling in 2017 after their daughter was stillborn, said watching him hide behind an umbrella was 'absolutely pathetic.' They and other families hope an ongoing police investigation will force former executives to explain their actions. The review's findings have intensified calls for a public inquiry, with parents arguing that those responsible should not be allowed to 'jump ship' when it suits them.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One | ITV |
|---|---|---|
| 72% of midwives said their unit was not safely staffed in the first week of June. | · | |
| 89% of midwives in Scotland said staffing levels directly affect quality of care. | · | |
| An independent review found that 155 babies could have survived with better care. | · | |
| Bereaved parents attended the first public meeting linked to a review into maternity service failings. | · | |
| Dozens of former executives refused to take part in the review. | · | |
| Eric Morton said he did not receive a letter warning of a staffing crisis and found it two years later. | · | |
| Keith Girling was medical director for seven years and paid around 200,000 pounds annually. | · | |
| Keith Girling, former medical director, declined to comment on the maternity scandal. | · | |
| The independent review will last nine months and assess safety, workforce, culture and access. | · | |
| The review will examine more than a thousand cases dating back to 2018. | · | |
| The trust said it will work with the review team to improve services. | · | |
| University Hospital Sussex says it has implemented many positive changes. | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
ITV1's coverage in these broadcasts did not reference the Nottingham inquiry. Instead, it aired separate reports on maternity failings in Scotland and Sussex, highlighting a broader national concern about maternity safety. The channel focused on the emotional impact on families and the launch of reviews, without addressing the non-cooperation of executives in Nottingham.
- “Mason was only two days old when, in January 2023, he stopped feeding during the night.”
- “In their grief, a hope of getting answers.”
BBC ONE West focused exclusively on the Nottingham maternity scandal, specifically the non-cooperation of former executives. It used investigative reporting to confront former medical director Keith Girling and former chairman Eric Morton, highlighting their refusal to answer questions. The tone was sympathetic to the families and critical of the executives, with a clear call for accountability.
- “I've got no comment”
- “Because I didn't receive the letter. I found the letter two years later.”
- “Makes me feel physically sick to see him”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.