NMC commits support to Donna Ockenden as Chair of Sussex maternity review
Published on 21 April 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has committed its full support to Donna Ockenden following the announcement that she will chair the independent review of maternity and neonatal services at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
Commenting on the appointment, Paul Rees MBE, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
“Women and families deserve safe, kind and equitable maternity care. When that falls short, it can lead to unacceptable harm. Our thoughts are with the people and families whose lives have been devastatingly impacted by maternity failures in Sussex.
“We welcome the appointment of Donna Ockenden as Chair of the review. I have seen firsthand the excellent work Donna has done on the Nottingham Maternity Review, and I know that this mirrors the outstanding work she did in Shrewsbury and Telford.
“Donna will no doubt bring the same tireless dedication, relentlessness in pursuing the truth and compassion to her review into services in Sussex.
“It’s vital that this review leads to lasting change in maternity services. We are confident that Donna will leave no stone unturned and ensure families receive the clear answers about what has happened in Sussex and why.
“Donna will have the NMC’s full support throughout the course of her inquiry. As the professional regulator of more than 47,000 midwives across the UK, we’re committed to helping ensure safe and effective care becomes the norm everywhere.”
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