On 24 June 2026, the final report of the independent review into maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, chaired by Donna Ockenden, was published. This is the largest investigation into maternity care in NHS history.
Our heartfelt thoughts are with all the women, babies, families and healthcare professionals whose experiences have contributed to this important report. We recognise the courage of those who have shared their stories, often during times of immense loss and distress.
LabourPains was created to support informed choice, shared decision-making and equitable access to high-quality information about labour, birth and pain relief. These principles are central to safe, compassionate maternity care and are reflected throughout the learning that continues to emerge from maternity investigations and reviews.
We believe that everyone deserves access to clear, evidence-based information, regardless of where they live, their ethnicity, language, background, or any other personal characteristic. Good information empowers women and families to ask questions, understand their options, and participate fully in decisions about their care.
If you are preparing for labour and birth, we encourage you to explore the information available on LabourPains. Our resources have been developed by experts, informed by evidence, and designed to help women and families feel informed, supported and prepared for the choices they may face during pregnancy, labour and birth.
As always, we remain committed to promoting equitable, compassionate and high-quality maternity care for all.
