An inspection in May 2025 identified three breaches of regulation at Nottingham City Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre related to security, staffing and management of the service.

Roger James, CQC director of hospitals, said: ‘The service didn't have an appropriate system and process to check identification bands of both baby and mother if separated for treatment which created risks for families and raised safeguarding concerns.'

James said there were not enough medical staff with the right qualifications, skills and experience to keep people safe, however, he added it was ‘encouraging to hear from people who were enthusiastic about the care they received'.

Anthony May, chief executive at NUH, said: ‘We are grateful for the feedback from the CQC following the inspection in May 2025 and have taken action to address the areas that they identified for us to improve.'

NUH said its action plan was addressing the three breaches identified by the CQC.

Staffing

The trust's clinical director for maternity is leading a plan to address obstetrics staffing and a plan has been put forward to increase resident doctors with bank staff used to address gaps. Midwifery vacancies are down from 51 in 2024 to 15.

Security

An abduction policy has been introduced with babies on wards kept safe with swipe door access, reception staff trained to support identification of those coming in and out of the wards, stop and challenge processes in place for those entering wards, as well as photo ID for all staff, CCTV and security staff in place. A baby tagging system and security protocols, such as department sign ins, which are already in place are being reviewed.

Governance

More ways for staff to share feedback have been developed with the recruitment of a new clinical director of maternity and three clinical psychologists to support staff.

Ockenden review

NUH said it was continuing to work with Donna Ockenden on her Independent Maternity Review (IMR) review to be published later this year.

May said: ‘The publication of the IMR will be an important milestone for affected families and I hope it will give them the answers they want and deserve.'