Over the past couple of weeks, Baroness Amos and the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) team have met with almost 50 families from the Families Failed by OUH Maternity Services campaign group.

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For many families, these meetings were the first time they have felt truly heard after years of being dismissed or ignored by the Trust, regulators, and local MPs.

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The four sessions were incredibly emotional as parents described preventable harm, avoidable deaths, and the on-going trauma caused not only by clinical failures but by OUH’s response since. Families spoke of a culture of defensiveness, denial, and reputational management that has compounded their trauma and silenced them.

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We’re disappointed that the team haven’t been able to make additional time to meet more families, as only around 7% of our 670+ members were able to share their experiences. But we understand the sheer scale of the investigation into 12 Trusts, so we will continue to encourage families to share their testimonies with the team as evidence of harm.

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The campaign now represents nearly 700 families affected by inadequate maternity care at OUH. Families hope that the NMNI’s findings will mark a turning point; one that prioritises transparency, accountability, and genuine reform over reputation and self-protection.

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A mother’s reflection:

 

“I attended one of the in-person meetings with Valerie Amos and her team. We all had the opportunity to tell our stories openly. I felt genuinely listened to, validated and respected throughout the meeting. There was a strong sense of solidarity in the room, and it was clear that we all shared a common goal for change and improvement. However, while the meeting was meaningful, I remain aware of the limitations of the review process and whether it will lead to tangible changes in practice.”

 

A mother’s reflection:

 

“I attended the in-person meeting with Baroness Amos to discuss the harm created by the JR. I felt listened to and understood. I felt like Baroness Amos took our concerns seriously and had much sympathy with the group. It was an emotional evening whilst stories were shared, it’s more than unfortunate that harm is still continuing and my heart went out to everyone who attended. We are passionate for change and won’t stop until people are held accountable for their actions.”

 

A mother’s reflection:

 

“I welcome the rapid review and attended one of the sessions in Oxford with Baroness Amos. Whilst an incredibly emotional and difficult evening, I felt Baroness Amos and her team provided a safe space for sharing authentic experiences with respect and dignity. She exhibited great compassion and empathy and I felt listened to and supported to make a difference. I only hope this rapid review goes deep enough to effect the real change we all want to see, because there are two experiences - those who are doing a job, and those who are experiencing a life-changing moment.”

 

A mother’s reflection:

 

“I was fortunate to have attended two online meetings with Baroness Amos. I feel confident in her abilities and her agenda. I have no doubt of her intention to make meaningful change happen. In both meetings, it was not lost on me how emotional some of her Team became upon hearing the stories of this group. This means, I also believe those Team members are absolutely committed to pouring all their efforts into this too. Personally, I felt I was being listened to, and heard.”

 

Campaign co-founder and harmed parent Rebecca requested and organised the meetings Baroness Amos and her team. She reflects:

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“These four meetings have finally centred families’ voices. Many of us felt listened to for the first time. The extent of the harm shared was harrowing – what families have been put through by OUH maternity services is unforgivable. In the final meeting I called for Baroness Amos and her team to be brave enough to hold those responsible accountable.”

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“As well as sharing my own experiences, I also told the team about the barriers and treatment I’ve faced in advocating for families since 2018 and campaign members over the last 17 months, and the emotional toll it has taken – and continues to take –on mine and my family’s lives. As part of the investigation, I asked them to explore what protections could be put forward in the recommendations to protect patient safety campaigners from being silenced.”

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"Beyond clinical failings, families are urging Baroness Amos and the NMNI to confront the deeper systemic issues driving maternity harm: institutional misogyny; breaches of ethics, consent, and human rights; routine departures from NICE guidance; and a culture of defensiveness and retaliation that silences women and campaigners. Regulators’ long-standing inaction has compounded this harm."

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"We are calling for a cultural shift, from reputation management to accountability. Our campaign continues to call for a judge-led independent inquiry to ensure authentic accountability and lasting change.”