NMC welcomes appointment of Donna Ockenden to chair Leeds maternity review
Published on 11 March 2026
The NMC has welcomed the announcement that Donna Ockenden has been appointed to chair the independent review of maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Paul Rees MBE, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
"Maternity care failures can be absolutely devastating for those families affected and that has been the case for far too many families in Leeds.
“The announcement that the work of the Leeds maternity review will start next month is a vital step towards ensuring that a torch is finally shone on what has really been happening with maternity services in Leeds – and that is vital for all those families tragically impacted by maternity failings.
"We welcome Donna Ockenden’s appointment as the inquiry chair because she has demonstrated, through her work at Shrewsbury and Telford, and her ongoing review in Nottingham, a combination of clinical expertise, rigorous independence and a profound commitment to placing families at the heart of everything she does.
“We believe she will bring those same qualities to the Leeds review.
"As the professional regulator of more than 47,000 midwives, the NMC stands ready to work closely with Donna and her team – playing our part in ensuring that any lessons from Leeds lead to lasting, meaningful change."
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