Ockenden, who has led an inquiry into Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust and is due to report on her inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, said: ‘It is an honour to have been asked to chair this review, and I feel a profound sense of responsibility to the parents, babies and healthcare professionals it concerns to ensure that we get this right.

‘This review must remain firmly focused on the families who, in many instances, have waited far too long for answers to questions about their care. My priority will be to listen carefully to families and staff, to understand what has gone wrong, and to ensure that the lessons are learned and the changes required are made, in a timely way, thus ensuring that all mothers, their babies and families receive safe, high-quality perinatal care.'

Brendan Brown, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ‘I am deeply sorry to families whose babies have sadly died or who have been harmed when receiving care in our hospitals.

‘We welcome the announcement that a chair has been appointed to lead the independent review, and we are absolutely committed to working openly, honestly and transparently with Donna Ockenden and the review team, and with families who have used our services. We hope this announcement will give reassurance to families that the review can now move forward and provide the answers they deserve.

‘I would also like to reassure families in Leeds who will be using our services currently, that significant improvements are already underway in our maternity and neonatal services, following reviews by the Care Quality Commission and NHS England.

‘We know there is more to do, and we will continue to improve our services as we strive to ensure that every family receives safe, compassionate, inclusive, and high-quality care.'