Maternity Services: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Sussex families were closely involved in the design of the review through meetings with the former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in March and April 2026. Donna Ockenden has since been appointed as Chair of the Independent review into maternity and neonatal care at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, with the scope announced on 13 May 2026.

The full terms of reference will be developed with Donna Ockenden and families in the coming months. This review will adopt an ‘opt out’ methodology, meaning that the care received by every family who meets the criteria of the review will be included unless the family requests otherwise. This approach is designed to maximise inclusion and ensure all relevant experiences can inform the review’s findings. Donna Ockenden’s team will also establish clear and accessible routes for families to engage directly with the review, ensuring that their voices are heard in a trauma‑informed and supportive way.

The review will formally share key findings with the trust, the Department, and NHS England on a regular basis. This will support the trust to continuously learn and improve the safety and quality of maternity care and enable the findings and lessons from this review to be considered alongside wider national work on maternity and neonatal care.