The families have called for a public inquiry on top of the maternity review being carried out by Donna Ockenden which is looking into around 2,500 individual cases.

Streeting said: ‘I met with Donna Ockenden and families impacted by the Nottingham University Hospitals maternity scandal, who shared personal and painful accounts of their experiences of dead babies, life-changing injuries, cover-ups, failures in care, and ongoing trauma. It is a meeting that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

‘I will do everything in my power to ensure all women and babies receive the safe, personalised and compassionate care they deserve. We are supporting trusts to make rapid improvements, as well as training thousands more midwives, but I know more needs to be done.

‘The families raised a wide range of issues, many of which apply nationally, as well as some specific calls for further action. I'm going to reflect carefully on those and return to Nottingham to report back once I've fully considered next steps.'

Speaking last week, Anthony May, chief executive at NUH, said: ‘I am grateful to the secretary of state for finding time to meet the affected families and I know they will appreciate it. Today is a significant step for the families in having their voices heard. I have great respect for the way in which the families have worked to bring their concerns forward. In doing so, I am confident they are influencing improvements in maternity services. 

‘Receiving feedback from the families and Donna is helping to improve maternity services at NUH. Our colleagues are working hard to implement changes. I know our services require further improvement but there are good signs that we are moving in the right direction.'