Nottingham Police Arrest 2 Men in NUH Maternity Probe as NHS Review Nears Publication
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 23
Nottingham Police Arrest 2 Men in NUH Maternity Probe as NHS Review Nears Publication
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 23
Summary
Two men, 55 and 59, were arrested in the first detentions under Nottinghamshire Police's Operation Perth, on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to NUH mortuary operating practices.
Both were released on bail with strict conditions as police said the arrests are separate from the corporate manslaughter case opened in June 2025 into maternity failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Wednesday's Ockenden review—the NHS's largest maternity investigation—draws on evidence from about 2,500 families and more than 800 staff and is expected to detail widespread failings, baby deaths and avoidable harm.
Regulators are also pursuing individual cases: the NMC is handling 96 fitness-to-practise matters and the GMC 62, while reviewing more than 300 information reports from the review.
The trust has already paid millions in compensation and fines, including a record £1.6 million penalty in 2021 over three babies' deaths, as affected families press for a statutory public inquiry.
After years of warnings, can the NHS truly dismantle the toxic culture behind the Nottingham baby deaths scandal?
Will senior NHS leaders face jail time, or will fines be the only justice for families who lost their babies?
With failings still found months ago, how can expectant parents trust that maternity services are truly safe for them today?
Operation Perth and the NUH Maternity Scandal: Inside the Largest NHS Inquiry into Preventable Deaths and Institutional Failures
Overview
Nottinghamshire Police launched Operation Perth to investigate serious issues uncovered in the mortuaries of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, causing significant distress to affected families. The police have contacted those directly impacted and are committed to reaching more families as the investigation continues. Their focus is on understanding the full scope of the mortuary problems and determining any criminal responsibility. This investigation, which has made good progress, highlights the urgent need for accountability and transparency, reflecting broader concerns about patient care and institutional practices within the Trust.