Scala supports families affected by Nottingham Maternity Scandal following Corporate Manslaughter Investigation announcement

Following the formal launch of a Corporate Manslaughter Investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, Scala is continuing PR support for Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whistleblowers of the Nottingham Maternity Scandal, alongside the other affected families.

Announced on June 2^nd by Nottinghamshire Police, this investigation is part of Operation Perth, that will examine cases of mothers and babies who died or were harmed under the Trust’s maternity care services. Over 200 cases have already been submitted by Donna Ockenden, these cases have been identified as part of her independent review into Nottingham’s maternity services. There are around 2,500 cases included in the review.  

This development marks a major step in a drawn-out and emotional campaign for accountability, that has been led by families whose lives have been forever changed as a result of failings in maternity care at NUH.

Scala has worked closely with Jack and Sarah since 2017, when they first decided to speak about the death of their daughter Harriet, who was stillborn in 2016. Over the last eight years, Scala has provided PR support for Jack and Sarah, as well as many other bereaved families and harmed mothers, to raise awareness of failings in maternity care that have resulted in so many tragedies.

In response to the news of the Corporate Manslaughter Investigation, Jack and Sarah said the following: “Harriet should be 9 years old. Our lives were completely destroyed by the unimaginable and repeated trauma at the hands of NUH. This investigation is just one piece of the jigsaw towards accountability.”

The Nottingham Affected Families Group welcomed the investigation, saying that it was “tinged with sadness” that it took so many instances of neglect for this step to be taken.

We remain dedicated to supporting the families and they seek clarity, accountability, and justice. We are proud to be working alongside them as they continue to campaign for safer maternity care.