What we did
Since 2017 Scala has been working with the families harmed by the Nottingham Maternity Scandal, and their lawyers, to provide sensitive and highly effective PR and media liaison services.
Natalie Rodgers, a non-practising personal injury solicitor, combines her legal knowledge and PR expertise to give lawyers and their clients absolute confidence that their story will be handled correctly. Over many years Scala has established professional relationships with the campaigning families and are now the ‘go-to’ PR firm for the press on NUHT stories.
PR representatives for families affected by failures in maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUHT)
As more stories were shared, sadly, more families came forward. The significant media attention enabled families to have a ‘collective voice’ that over the years has become increasingly louder. In 2022 the campaign intensified, and following significant media attention, MP Sajid Javid (Health Secretary at the time), agreed to meet with the families to discuss the scandal. In that meeting the families demanded for Donna Ockenden (request backed by MP Jeremy Hunt) to be appointed to conduct an Independent Review into maternity services (Donna conducted a review at Shrewsbury and Telford Trust).
Donna Ockenden was appointed in September 2022, a significant milestone in the campaign work. There are now around 1700 families include in the review, making this the UK’s biggest maternity scandal.
In January 2023, there was the first CQC Criminal Prosecution against NUHT for failures in maternity care provided to Gary and Sarah Andrews and their daughter, Wynter Andrews. This was only the second prosecution that has been brought for maternity failings. NUHT were fined a record £800,000. Scala issued media releases; wrote statements on behalf of the Andrews family; and handled media liaison/interview schedules, including interviews of Donna Ockenden.
Campaign coverage and strong relationships with journalists
Over many years, Scala has secured significant national and local coverage concerning the Nottingham Maternity Scandal, including the BBC, ITV, Sky News, Channel 4, The Independent, Radio 4, Woman’s Hour, The Times, and Victoria Derbyshire. Scala has achieved lead story status on the BBC 6 o’clock news on several occasions; BBC Inside Out documentary; and Channel 4 feature pieces. Families and their lawyers have been interviewed.
As a result, we have developed solid and trusted relationships with all the key journalists involved in reporting on the scandal. This is particularly important when it comes to sharing the experiences of many traumatised families, many of whom also have legal claims that are ongoing, and which cannot be etoposide in any way by the publicity.
“We feel honoured to be able to share the powerful stories of the affected families with sensitivity and compassion. I am incredibly proud that we are trusted by families and lawyers to help them share their experience which informs and empowers other families to have the confidence to come forward and ask for help.” Natalie Rodgers, Managing Director, Scala
Testimonials for our work
“Many Nottingham families have told me on countless occasions how important the support and expertise of Scala has been in ensuring their voices are heard and amplified. They have been so grateful for your kindness and compassion over such a long period of time.” Donna Ockenden, Chair, Nottingham Maternity Inquiry
“We could not have done it without you… you are media godmothers and have helped give us courage to speak out publicly. It’s not an easy thing to do and especially not when so traumatised.” Kim Errington, mum of Baby Teddy (deceased)
“Throughout, Scala have been extremely cooperative, sensitive, discreet, and empathetic, with a clear sense of the challenges the families have faced in dealing with the media. Scala has provided many of them with timely, bespoke advice that has made dealing with the families – both straightforward and rewarding.” Michael Buchanan Social Affairs Correspondent, BBC News
“Scala absolutely understands what a journalist needs to bring the most impactful stories to the screen. It's clear how trusted they are by their clients as they support them in reliving trauma, harm and loss. In Nottingham, what families have achieved is in part, thanks to Scala's efforts in keeping the media involved every step of the way in their campaign for safer maternity care.” Nancy Cole, ITV News
“We hope you won’t be embarrassed to receive this. Thank you for everything you have done. The culmination of years of work was well beyond our expectations. You have helped us with such sensitivity, whilst being thoroughly focused and professional.” Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins
“Scala PR have been integral to publicising and keeping the press like myself informed of the campaign headed by families of the Nottingham Maternity Scandal.” Rebecca Thomas, Health Correspondent, The Independent
If you are a family that has been affected and would like some help, please contact us.
e. natalierodgers@scala.uk.com
t: 0114 4070159
We can put you in touch with the review team.
All enquiries will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.
