The independent review into maternity and neonatal care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust published its terms of reference on 28 September 2026, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. The review, chaired by Donna Ockenden, will cover care delivered from 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2028 where mothers and babies suffered severe harm or death, including stillbirths, maternal deaths such as suicide, and some babies admitted to the neonatal unit.

Clinical case reviews were due to begin in November, and the review was expected to conclude by 2029. It was to identify concerns in maternity and neonatal care at the trust and make recommendations on safety, quality and equity. Families contributed to the terms of reference, and the department said they would remain closely involved. The review team said families and staff could expect contact in the coming months.

Baroness Merron, Minister for Women's Health and Maternity, said the review would examine what happened and make recommendations. Michelle Welsh MP, the government's Maternity and Neonatal Adviser, and Ockenden also commented. The department cited £187 million invested since April of the previous year, the extension of Martha's Rule to every ward and the hiring of almost 2,000 more midwives.