Families who have experienced grief due to the loss of babies at two hospitals in Leeds are beginning to regain a sense of trust in the health secretary, Wes Streeting, after the appointment of midwife Donna Ockenden to oversee an investigation into the troubling maternity services. This inquiry comes on the heels of a tragic report indicating that 56 babies and two mothers lost their lives over a five-year period within these services. Ockenden's previous work led to significant changes in Shrewsbury and Telford hospital NHS trust, establishing her as a critical leader for this inquiry.

The appointment of Ockenden comes after persistent advocacy from the families, who not only faced the loss of children but also included mothers whose surviving children suffered serious issues attributed to failures in the maternity care system. This important decision from the health secretary comes five months after an independent review was first announced, highlighting the families’ urgent calls for accountability and improvement in the care provided at the Leeds teaching hospitals NHS trust. The involvement of Ockenden is seen as a hopeful step towards rectifying these systemic issues in maternity care.

Moreover, the Care Quality Commission downgraded the maternity units at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) and St James’s hospital to an 'inadequate' rating in June 2025, shedding light on the dire need for reform. The families' advocacy for Ockenden's appointment illustrates their determination for change and more compassionate care within the maternity system, reflecting a broader need for health authorities to remain responsive and transparent regarding maternity services.