Victoria Rixon

This week I reflect on just how heavy things have felt across maternity campaigning, and on the growing sense that more families and more midwives are finally finding the courage to speak. I share why I remain deeply concerned about the way maternity reviews are being conducted, from the legacy of Ockenden to the new Scottish review, and why so many harmed families feel these processes risk retraumatising them rather than delivering truth or accountability. I also talk about midwives coming forward behind the scenes, wanting to act but unsure where to start, and why I’ve begun exploring whether there may be legal patterns in their stories that deserve proper scrutiny.

The heart of this episode is Anna’s powerful account of what happened after her son was born prematurely in 2018. She describes the terror of being separated from him in NICU, later discovering he had been given a tenfold morphine overdose, and the years that followed as she fought for answers, navigated trauma, raised a son later diagnosed with non-verbal autism and global developmental delay, and tried to make sense of whether the harm done in hospital changed the course of his life. Anne Dixon also joins us to draw haunting parallels with her own family’s experience, making this a raw conversation about medical harm, silence, institutional self-protection, and the importance of mothers trusting their instincts and using their voices.

• Food For Thought Radio: https://www.fftradio.com/
• Ockenden Review – final report summary (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-review/ockenden-review-summary-of-findings-conclusions-and-essential-actions
• National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation: https://www.matneoinv.org.uk/
• Scottish Government – independent review to improve maternity care: https://www.gov.scot/news/independent-review-to-improve-maternity-care/
• Scottish Government – maternity services independent review principles: https://www.gov.scot/publications/maternity-services-independent-review-principles/
• Professor Christine McCourt profile (City St George’s, University of London): https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/christine-mccourt
• Scotland Maternity Services Independent Review (City St George’s): https://researchcentres.citystgeorges.ac.uk/maternal-reproductive-and-child-health/scotland-maternity-services-independent-review
• Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland – Karen Titchener biography: https://www.patientsafetycommissioner.scot/about-us/karen-titchener-biography
• Enigma Solicitors: https://enigmalaw.co.uk/about
• NICE guidance and programmes: https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/our-programmes
• NHS – Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/
• Derriford Hospital (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust): https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/finding-your-way-at-derriford-hospital
• Great Ormond Street Hospital: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/about/?lang=en
• Meta company information (for Facebook): https://www.meta.com/about/company-info/
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency
• European Medicines Agency (EMA): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us

Tonight I opened the show by speaking frankly about the emotional toll of this week’s maternity-safety campaigning: the confusion around Scotland’s maternity review, the distress felt by bereaved families and staff, and the wider culture of fear, whistleblowing, data concerns and institutional inaction that continues to weigh heavily on everyone involved. I also reflected on the language used by government and media, why clear communication matters so much, and why I feel compelled to keep speaking up for families, midwives and nurses who are too often left unheard.

In the second half, I was joined again by Nick Oliver for a deeply personal conversation about grief, faith and healing after the loss of his daughter Sarah at Derriford Hospital 21 years ago. Nick shared how anger, loss and whistleblowing shaped his life, how he eventually found his way back to faith, and how Celebrate Recovery helped him rebuild. We talked about prayer, being still, spiritual awakening, the search for meaning, and the ways faith can steady people through trauma, despair and life’s darkest moments.

• Food For Thought Radio: https://www.fftradio.com/
• Derriford Hospital (NHS): https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/derriford-hospital/X921
• Scotland Maternity Services Independent Review (chaired by Professor Christine McCourt): https://www.gov.scot/publications/maternity-services-independent-review-principles/
• Patient Safety Commissioner Scotland: https://www.patientsafetycommissioner.scot/
• Karen Titchener Biography: https://www.patientsafetycommissioner.scot/about-us/karen-titchener-biography
• Justice for Nurses: https://www.justicefornurses.org.uk/
• Ishbel Straker: https://www.ishbel-straker-and-the-nmc.co.uk/about-me
• Ockenden Review: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-review/ockenden-review-summary-of-findings-conclusions-and-essential-actions
• Kirkup / East Kent maternity report government response: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-east-kent-report-government-response/government-response-to-reading-the-signals-maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-east-kent-the-report-of-the-independent-investigation
• The Investigation of Lucy Letby (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81719673
• Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/about/
• 5&2 Christian Clothing: https://www.5and2.co.uk/about-5-2
• Rick Warren: https://rickwarren.org/
• J.John: https://jjohn.com/
• YouVersion / Bible App: https://bible.app/app/
• CeCe Winans: https://cecewinans.com/
• Neil Oliver: https://www.neiloliver.com/
• The Mark Attwood Show: https://themarkattwoodshow.com/
• Footprints in the Sand (official site): https://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem
• Wicked Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/wicked-women-of-the-bible
• Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers: https://wellcomecollection.org/works/d826hy9j
• Project 2000 nursing education report (NAO): https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/nursing-education-implementation-of-project-2000-in-england-2/

Tonight I used my slot on Food for Thought Radio to speak candidly about why I launched a people’s tribunal into UK maternity services and why I still believe something grassroots, transparent and led by families is urgently needed. I reflected on my own journey through NHS midwifery, whistleblowing, grievance processes and the personal fallout that followed, including how those experiences shaped my determination to keep shining a light on maternity safety, staffing, culture, governance and the way women’s voices can be lost inside large systems.

I was then joined by powerful callers who shared deeply personal accounts of birth trauma, harm, investigations and years of unanswered questions. Together we discussed the Scottish independent maternity review, the legacy of the Ockenden, Amos and Bill Kirkup investigations, and the need for families and frontline staff to be properly heard rather than managed. Above all, this episode was about truth-telling, solidarity and the conviction that women, babies and NHS staff deserve far better.

• Food For Thought Radio: https://www.fftradio.com/
• The Victoria Rixon Show on FFT Schedule: https://www.fftradio.com/schedule/
• NHS website for England: https://www.nhs.uk/
• NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/
• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
• Derriford Hospital: https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/derriford-hospital/X921
• Lister Hospital: https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/hospitals/lister/
• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/
• Great Ormond Street Hospital: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/
• Frimley Park Hospital: https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/locations/frimley-park-hospital
• The Nursing and Midwifery Council: https://www.nmc.org.uk/
• Royal College of Midwives: https://rcm.org.uk/
• Dr David Cartland: https://www.drdavidcartland.com/about-dave
• Ishbel Straker and the NMC: https://www.ishbel-straker-and-the-nmc.co.uk/
• Angela Constance MSP: https://www.parliament.scot/home/msps/current-and-previous-msps/angela-constance
• Professor Christine McCourt: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/christine-mccourt
• Scottish Government Independent Review to Improve Maternity Care: https://www.gov.scot/news/independent-review-to-improve-maternity-care/
• Maternity Services Independent Review Principles (Scotland): https://www.gov.scot/publications/maternity-services-independent-review-principles/
• Ockenden Maternity Review Official Website: https://www.ockendenmaternityreview.org.uk/
• Ockenden Review of Maternity Services (NHS England): https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/ockenden-review-of-maternity-services/
• Ockenden Review into Maternity Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Final Report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ockenden-review-into-maternity-services-at-nottingham-university-hospitals-nhs-trust-final-report
• Terms of Reference: Independent Maternity Review – Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/terms-of-reference-independent-maternity-review-nottingham-university-hospitals-nhs-trust/
• Publication of Baroness Amos’ Independent Investigation into Maternity and Neonatal Services in England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/publication-of-baroness-amos-independent-investigation-into-maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-england/
• National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/national-maternity-and-neonatal-taskforce
• Maternity and Neonatal Services in East Kent: Reading the Signals Report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-east-kent-reading-the-signals-report
• The Life and Death of Elizabeth Dixon: A Catalyst for Change: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-life-and-death-of-elizabeth-dixon-a-catalyst-for-change
• Government Response to the Investigation into the Death of Elizabeth Dixon: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-investigation-into-the-death-of-elizabeth-dixon
• Andrew Bridgen: https://abridgen.uk/
• The FreeNZ Editorial: https://freenz.substack.com/
• UK Birth Criminality: Anne Dixon's 25-Year Quest To Be Heard: https://freenz.substack.com/p/uk-birth-criminality-anne-dixons

After a difficult few months away from the microphone, I return to reflect on why I stepped back, where things stand with my ongoing legal cases, and why concerns around maternity services have not gone away. I share my frustration at the wider culture surrounding maternity care, the lack of accountability many families feel, and the importance of staying grounded, informed and compassionate while so many women, families and staff feel unheard.

I’m then joined by Chelsea, a mother of four, who bravely shares her account of a traumatic birth after three previous positive experiences. Together, we talk through her pregnancy, labour, emergency caesarean, the aftermath of serious complications, and the emotional toll that followed for her and her family. This episode is a raw conversation about consent, fear, recovery, speaking up, and why women’s birth stories matter so deeply.

• Ockenden Review: Final report summary: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-review/ockenden-review-summary-of-findings-conclusions-and-essential-actions
• Baroness Amos independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/publication-of-baroness-amos-independent-investigation-into-maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-england/
• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
• Derriford Hospital: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/getting-here
• Devon Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/maternity-voices/
• ACT Credit Management: https://www.actcredit.com/
• NHS Fleet Solutions: https://www.nhsfleetsolutions.co.uk/
• Data Protection Act 2018: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/data-protection-act-2018
• ICO guide to subject access requests: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/subject-access-requests/a-guide-to-subject-access/
• Royal Courts of Justice: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/royal-courts-of-justice?lng=en

After some time away, I open this episode by reflecting on the emotional toll of maternity campaigning, the distortion that social media algorithms can create, and my growing concern that bereaved families’ voices are being pushed aside by politicians, institutions and online infighting. I speak candidly about why I am stepping back from the constant churn of reposting and arguing online, and why I remain focused on the parents and babies whose names, stories and suffering should never be forgotten.

I am then joined by Caitlin Robertson, who shares the devastating story of her daughter, Belle. Caitlin talks through her pregnancy, the failures in her care, Belle’s traumatic birth, the catastrophic events that followed in neonatal care, and the unbearable reality of losing both her daughter and, later, her womb. This is a deeply distressing but incredibly important conversation about trauma, accountability, whistleblowing, and why families in Scotland must be heard alongside those at the centre of the wider UK maternity crisis.

• Donna Ockenden: https://www.donnaockenden.com/about-donna/
• Ockenden review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust: final report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ockenden-review-into-maternity-services-at-nottingham-university-hospitals-nhs-trust-final-report
• East Kent maternity and neonatal services report, Reading the signals: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-east-kent-reading-the-signals-report
• Michelle Welsh MP: https://www.michellewelshmp.com/about
• University Hospital Crosshouse: https://www.nhs24.scot/find-a-service/hospitals/8883%201eay1116/
• Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow: https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services/main-hospitals/queen-elizabeth/
• Great Ormond Street Hospital: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/
• Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service: https://www.copfs.gov.uk/contact/find-an-office/crown-office/
• NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/?redirect=false
• Build-A-Bear UK: https://www.buildabear.co.uk/
• Tesco: https://www.tesco.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
• Instagram (official Meta newsroom page): https://about.fb.com/news/category/technologies/instagram/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/
• X: https://x.com/
• WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/

This week I spoke candidly about the mounting crisis in UK maternity services, reflecting on the impact of the Ockenden findings in Nottingham, the Amos review, and the wider pattern of investigations now unfolding across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I shared why I believe the missing piece in so many public conversations is the voice of midwives themselves, and why true accountability has to hold both family testimony and staff testimony together. I also read my public call for an independent investigation into maternity services at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, setting out the concerns that staff, student midwives, bereaved parents and harmed families have trusted me to carry forward.

My guests were Liz Gunn and Nick Oliver. Nick spoke with extraordinary honesty about the stillbirth of his daughter, Sarah Louise, at Derriford Hospital 21 years ago, the trauma that followed, and the lifelong ripple effects on grief, faith and family life. Together we explored what compassionate care can look like in the smallest of gestures, how fathers are so often overlooked in bereavement, and why saying a baby’s name matters. This was a deeply emotional conversation about loss, truth, courage and remembrance, and I was honoured to dedicate the episode to Nick and to Sarah Louise Oliver.

• NHS England – Ockenden review of maternity services: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/ockenden-review-of-maternity-services/
• Independent Review of Maternity Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (report PDF): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a3bb59c4c7605ab567238ec/ockenden-report-review-of-maternity-services-nottingham-university-hospitals-nhs-trust-e-lay.pdf
• NHS England – Baroness Amos’ independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/publication-of-baroness-amos-independent-investigation-into-maternity-and-neonatal-services-in-england/
• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
• Derriford Hospital: https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/derriford-hospital/RK950
• Sands – Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity: https://www.sands.org.uk/
• Freedom Train International: https://freedomtraininternational.org/
• Food For Thought Radio: https://www.fftradio.com/
• Paul English Live: https://paulenglishlive.com/
• The Never Settle Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3YWZ3RSb81vtuTKWjDuJ2Y
• The Chosen: https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us
• The Salvation Army UK and Ireland: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/
• New Wine: https://new-wine.org/
• J.John: https://jjohn.com/
• 5&2 Christian Clothing: https://www.5and2.co.uk/about-5-2
• X: https://x.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/

Tonight I reflected on the publication of Donna Ockenden’s devastating findings into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and why the themes in that report feel so painfully familiar across the maternity system: women not being listened to, delays in intervention, toxic workplace cultures, poor leadership, and avoidable harm. I spoke from both a professional and personal standpoint about the sobering reality of seeing repeated patterns echoed through Shrewsbury and Telford, Mid Staffordshire, and beyond, and why these stories must not be allowed to fade into yesterday’s news.

I was then joined by the incredibly brave Holly Eastwood, who shared the story of her son Johnny’s birth, the trauma surrounding his delivery, the lifelong impact of his brain injury and additional needs, and the unanswered questions she has carried for more than a decade. Holly also spoke movingly about navigating a later pregnancy, raising awareness, and the importance of families speaking out when something does not feel right. This episode is a call to remember the families, honour the women and babies at the centre of these failures, and keep pushing for truth, accountability and genuine maternity safety.

• Donna Ockenden: https://www.donnaockenden.com/
• Findings, conclusions and essential actions from the independent review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust: https://www.ockendenmaternityreview.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ockenden-report-review-of-maternity-services-nottingham-university-hospitals-nhs-trust-web-accessible.pdf
• Ockenden Maternity Review: https://www.ockendenmaternityreview.org.uk/
• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/
• Ockenden review: summary of findings, conclusions and essential actions (Shrewsbury and Telford): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-review/ockenden-review-summary-of-findings-conclusions-and-essential-actions
• Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-of-the-mid-staffordshire-nhs-foundation-trust-public-inquiry/
• North Ayrshire Council: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/
• Sunderland Royal Hospital: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-locations/our-locations/sunderland-royal-hospital
• Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals: https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/hospitals/royal-victoria-infirmary/
• University Hospital Crosshouse (NHS 24 hospital listing): https://www.nhs24.scot/find-a-service/hospitals/8883%201eay1116/
• NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/
• NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/
• General Medical Council: https://www.gmc-uk.org/
• Nursing and Midwifery Council: https://www.nmc.org.uk/
• UK Parliament: https://www.parliament.uk/
• The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/keir-starmer
• MASIC Foundation: https://masic.org.uk/
• MAMA Academy: https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/
• Aching Arms: https://www.achingarms.co.uk/
• Sands: https://www.sands.org.uk/
• The Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/
• Sky News: https://news.sky.com/

Tonight I’m joined by fellow FTT host and former NHS healthcare assistant Shelly Tasker for a frank conversation about whistleblowing, life on the wards during the early pandemic, and the personal and professional fallout that followed. Shelly recounts empty wards in Cornwall, the moment she publicly resigned in uniform, and the hostility she later faced when trying to return to caring roles. We also explore the emotional toll on families and staff, the culture of fear, data‑driven targets, and the grinding impact of investigations and references on people who speak up.

In the second half I reflect on this week’s heavy maternity news: the scale of the Nottingham review, growing allegations in Leeds, persistent concerns over workplace culture, and calls for a public inquiry into the NMC. We touch on continuity of carer, the realities of postnatal safety, home and hospital birth politics, and why transparency, accountability and practical remedies for mothers, babies and midwives are urgently needed.

• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – Maternity services: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/maternity
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Maternity (The Leeds Maternity Unit): https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/maternity-services/
• The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust – Ockenden information: https://www.sath.nhs.uk/about-us/ockenden/
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): https://www.nmc.org.uk/
• Professional Standards Authority (PSA): https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/
• Department of Health and Social Care (UK): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care
• NHS England – Maternity and neonatal services: https://www.england.nhs.uk/maternity/
• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital): https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (Treliske): https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/
• Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby): https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/
• NHS Ayrshire & Arran (University Hospital Crosshouse): https://www.nhsaaa.net/
• BBC News – Health: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health
• Health Service Journal (HSJ): https://www.hsj.co.uk/
• The Lancet – Journals homepage (for postpartum haemorrhage series access): https://www.thelancet.com/
• Royal College of Midwives (RCM): https://www.rcm.org.uk/
• LBC – Radio: https://www.lbc.co.uk/

In this episode of Food for Thought Radio, I round up a difficult week of maternity headlines across the UK and Ireland—from historic legal settlements and reported serious adverse events to unacceptable delays for induction of labour—and reflect on what these stories mean for families, midwives and services. We also look ahead to the imminent Nottingham maternity review by Donna Ockenden and the subsequent rapid review across multiple trusts, and I reiterate my ongoing commitment to the cases of Elizabeth Dixon and baby Belle. My guest “Robin Hood” joins me to discuss how fear, opaque corporate structures and professional regulation intersect with everyday midwifery practice: fitness‑to‑practise pressures, legal threats, data protection claims, and the importance of asserting rights, due process and proper jurisdiction. We finish with practical encouragement for midwives to keep learning and supporting one another, and for mothers and fathers to organise, document, and seek appropriate legal and human‑rights avenues when harm is alleged.

• 'Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)': https://www.nmc.org.uk/
• 'Care Quality Commission (CQC)': https://www.cqc.org.uk/
• 'Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – Maternity': https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/maternity
• 'Donna Ockenden – Nottingham Maternity Review (official site)': https://www.donnaockenden.com/nottingham-review/
• 'Independent Investigation into the Death of Elizabeth Dixon (UK Government publication)': https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-investigation-into-the-death-of-elizabeth-dixon
• 'Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT)': https://www.bhrhospitals.nhs.uk/
• 'Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital (Dublin)': https://www.coombe.ie/
• 'Horton General Hospital, Banbury (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)': https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/hospitals/horton/
• 'European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)': https://www.echr.coe.int/
• 'Geneva Conventions – International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)': https://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law/treaties-customary-law/geneva-conventions
• 'United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR)': https://www.ohchr.org/
• 'Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)': https://www.sra.org.uk/
• 'Bevan Brittan LLP': https://www.bevanbrittan.com/
• 'HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)': https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service
• 'Royal College of Midwives (RCM)': https://www.rcm.org.uk/
• 'NHS England': https://www.nhs.uk/
• 'Herald Scotland (news outlet referenced)': https://www.heraldscotland.com/

In tonight’s programme, I open with a roundup of the week’s major maternity stories and why they matter now, not just when they trend. We look at the PSA’s finding that the Nursing and Midwifery Council met 9 of 18 regulatory standards and the resulting escalation to Parliament, fresh investigations and reporting on the UK maternity crisis, and cases in Scotland and Gloucestershire that lay bare how culture, staffing and decision‑making shape outcomes. I also flag the approaching Ockenden outputs and what they could mean for families and staff. My guest is my husband, Reese, who speaks candidly about witnessing my induction and labour as a first‑time dad, the shock of poor communication, and the aftermath of trauma at home. Together we unpack what “whistleblowing” really looks like in practice, the toll it takes on families, and practical ways staff and parents can protect themselves and their evidence—from contemporaneous notes to statements of truth—while keeping compassion at the centre.

• 'Nursing & Midwifery Council: 2025 PSA review summary (9 of 18 standards)': https://www.nmc.org.uk/news/news-and-updates/new-nmc-accelerates-change-and-improvement-five-months-on-from-2024/25-psa-performance-review/
• 'Professional Standards Authority: NMC performance escalation letter (PDF)': https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/NMC%20Performance%20Review%202023-24%20Escalation%20letter%20to%20Vice%20Chair%20Health%20%26%20Social%20Care%20Select%20Committee.pdf
• 'Sky News investigation: Behind Closed Doors – Inside the UK’s maternity crisis': https://news.sky.com/video/behind-closed-doors-inside-the-uk-s-maternity-crisis-full-investigation-13548545
• 'University Hospital Crosshouse/Ayrshire Maternity Unit (service information)': https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/pregnancy-and-childbirth/losing-a-baby/early-pregnancy-units-epu/
• 'STV News: Ayrshire mum raises concerns after baby Belle’s death': https://news.stv.tv/west-central/ayrshire-mum-blames-hospital-for-causing-brain-injury-which-resulted-in-babys-death
• 'BBC Panorama focus on NUH maternity (Trust response)': https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/nuh-responds-to-bbc-panorama
• 'Ockenden Review – official site (Nottingham independent review)': https://www.ockendenmaternityreview.org.uk/
• 'Final Ockenden Report (Shrewsbury & Telford) – GOV.UK': https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-of-the-ockenden-review
• 'Gloucestershire: suspension of home birth services (context)': https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/cq83g7l2v7jo
• 'NHS Employers: Raising Concerns (whistleblowing) resources': https://www.nhsemployers.org/people/raising-concerns
• 'NHS Scotland: How to raise whistleblowing concerns': https://workforce.nhs.scot/supporting-documents/guide/whistleblowing-policy-how-to-raise-whistleblowing-concerns/
• 'Regulatory Justice Foundation (support for professionals under investigation)': https://www.theregulatoryjusticefoundation.org.uk/
• 'Compassion in Care (Eileen Chubb)': https://compassionincare.com/
• 'The Whistler (whistleblowing support and advocacy)': https://www.thewhistler.org/
• 'The life and death of Elizabeth Dixon – investigation report (GOV.UK)': https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-life-and-death-of-elizabeth-dixon-a-catalyst-for-change
• 'Sky News: Inside a labour ward – current context piece': https://news.sky.com/story/maternity-care-latest-sky-news-goes-inside-a-labour-ward-on-the-up-13548084
• 'Civil Procedure Rules: Practice Direction 22 – Statements of Truth': https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules/part22/pd_part22
• 'General Medical Council (regulator of UK doctors)': https://www.gmc-uk.org
• 'Royal College of Midwives (professional body and union)': https://rcm.org.uk/
• 'Bevan Brittan LLP (health and public sector law)': https://www.bevanbrittan.com/
• 'DAC Beachcroft (health and insurance law)': https://www.dacbeachcroft.com/
• 'The People’s Lawyer UK (know‑your‑rights resources)': https://thepeopleslawyeruk.com/