RCoA and OAA response to the Ockenden Maternity Review

The Royal College of Anaesthetists and The Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association welcome the publication of the Ockenden Maternity Review, describing findings and recommendations from the Independent Review of Maternity Services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. The Review contains the results of investigations of 1862 cases, including maternal and neonatal deaths and severe morbidity.

We would like to offer our condolences and sympathy to all the families that have been affected and would wish to pay tribute to those that have persevered in bringing these tragedies to light.”

It is disappointing that in many cases, there were examples of poor multidisciplinary working in the incidents themselves but also in follow up, investigation and implementation of the action plans to prevent recurrence.
The Review contains recommendations for local action within the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS trust and also immediate and essential steps that should apply to maternity care across the NHS.
Our organisations are dedicated to the safety of pregnant women and their babies. We will look in detail at the report's findings and its recommendations and will embrace together the changes necessary to implement them. We are heartened by the support offered by the Secretary of State for health to facilitate this.