**Nottingham maternity scandal: Inquiry says baby deaths could have been avoided**
An independent inquiry into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has concluded that multiple baby deaths and serious injuries could have been avoided.
The inquiry, led by Donna Ockenden, found that there were serious failings in care over a period of more than 20 years, which led to the deaths of at least five babies and the avoidable brain damage of another 14.
The inquiry’s report makes 290 recommendations for improvements to maternity care, including:
* The creation of a national maternity safety body
* The introduction of mandatory training for all maternity staff
* The development of new national standards for maternity care
* Increased investment in maternity services
The inquiry found that the trust had failed to learn from previous mistakes and had repeatedly ignored concerns raised by families and staff.
The report also found that the trust had a .
