A BBC Panorama investigation has revealed serious concerns about maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where families were allegedly failed over more than a decade.

The inquiry, which is the largest maternity review in NHS history, is examining the care of around 2,500 families between 2012 and 2025, including stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and injuries to mothers and babies.Former staff described a toxic workplace culture marked by bullying, poor leadership and unsafe practices.

One midwife reported the use of the acronym 'FOH' on a whiteboard, interpreted as an offensive instruction telling pregnant women to leave the unit and go home.

Another resignation letter highlighted advice among staff to discourage admissions, with phrases such as 'don’t be too kind' reportedly used when advising women in labour.Multiple midwives described severe understaffing, exhaustion and a lack of adequate training and equipment.Some said they were forced to work without breaks or sufficient support, raising concerns that this contributed directly to poor outcomes.One account described a woman being sent home during labour, only for her baby to be stillborn when she later returned.

The investigation also highlighted allegations of systemic failures in governance, including poor workforce planning and inadequate responses to repeated warnings from staff.Concerns were raised that serious incidents were not always properly reported to regulators, limiting external scrutiny.Additionally, some former employees reported racist behaviour within the unit, including discriminatory attitudes towards South Asian women.

The trust’s leadership has acknowledged failings and stated that reforms are underway, including efforts to improve staffing, training and accountability.A final report from the inquiry, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, is expected on 24 June.

The Department of Health and NHS England have said steps are being taken to improve maternity safety across England, including increased midwife recruitment and investment in maternity services.