Statement: OUH Maternity Services

Simon Crowther, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we recognise the profound responsibility entrusted to us in caring for women, babies and families during some of the most significant and vulnerable moments of their lives. 

“We extend our heartfelt apologies to any family who has not received the standard of care they deserve.

“We work hard to listen with care and compassion to the concerns that have been raised, and we remain fully committed to learning from them.” 

The Trust is participating openly and transparently in the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation led by Baroness Amos, and welcomes this opportunity to reflect, improve, and ensure that every voice is heard.

Over recent years, we have taken meaningful steps to strengthen and improve our maternity services. This has included significant investment in our workforce, with the recruitment of 54 additional midwives.  We have improved clinical training and strengthened leadership across the service. We have also invested in our estates and facilities to improve the environment in which care is delivered. We have made improvements to our bereavement services to ensure that families experiencing loss receive compassionate, specialist support. 

However, we recognise that there is much more to do, and the Trust is determined to go further.

The Trust has responded to members of the campaign group and offered to meet with them. We are keen to do so and to ensure those who wish to be involved are actively engaged in shaping the future direction of our maternity services. Their insights and experiences are invaluable, and we are committed to learning from them to build a service that is safe, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of all families.