Allegations have arisen that pregnant women were given the offensive acronym “FOH” with the implied message to “leave” at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The acronym was reportedly found next to the names of expecting mothers on a whiteboard, not linked to any medical necessity but as a way for staff to signal they wanted the women to vacate the maternity ward.
These claims surfaced from a 2018 resignation letter from a staff member amid ongoing inquiries into the care provided to over 2,500 families between 2012 and 2025. Led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, the investigation focuses on incidents of stillbirths, maternal and neonatal deaths, and cases of injuries to mothers and infants, forming part of a broader review.
Ockenden addressed concerns that Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust operated with a sense of superiority compared to other NHS trusts. Former staff highlighted instances where women in labor were discouraged from seeking immediate care, leading to tragic outcomes. One disturbing case involved a woman whose baby died due to prolonged labor, resulting in severe physical complications.
Moreover, a culture of neglect and mistreatment was described within the trust’s maternity services, with reports of inadequate staffing levels causing distress. Staff recalled situations where the lack of trained personnel jeopardized the safety of mothers and babies, emphasizing the urgent need for sufficient support and resources.
Nottingham’s issues extended to allegations of discrimination against ethnic minority staff and patients. Instances of staff imitating accents and showing bias towards non-white women were reported, reflecting systemic challenges within the trust. Efforts have since been made to address these issues, with a commitment to improving care standards and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
While acknowledging the past failures, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s current chief executive, Anthony May, expressed a commitment to tackling racism and ensuring accountability within the organization. NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care have also pledged to implement new measures to enhance maternity care safety nationwide, aiming to prevent avoidable harm and promote equitable services for all families.
