Overview
- More than 20 families told a joint New Statesman and Channel 4 News investigation of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, severe disability and maternal harm linked to Oxford University Hospitals’ maternity and neonatal services.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the revelations “scandalous” and asked NHS England to investigate OxGrip’s rationale, oversight and impact on resources immediately.
- One reported case involved a baby declared stillborn at the John Radcliffe Hospital who was later found alive when taken to the mortuary, with both twins subsequently dying without further intervention.
- Oxford University Hospitals apologised, said it is cooperating with Baroness Amos’s national review, and cited steps including hiring 54 midwives, enhanced clinical training, strengthened leadership, bereavement support and estates upgrades.
- Local MPs urged transparency and rapid learning; the CQC has conducted an on-site inspection, Baroness Amos’s team visited Oxford this week, and initial recommendations are expected by December 2025.