A recent police investigation has revealed that the loss of a critical maternity data file at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust was most likely a deliberate or malicious act. The file, which temporarily vanished in July 2024, contained details of hundreds of maternity cases, and its disappearance delayed the ongoing maternity inquiry by necessitating the addition of around 300 new cases. This inquiry is a thorough review of nearly 2,500 cases of deaths and harm that occurred at Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital over the past decade.
The police launched their investigation in February 2025 after concerns arose over the unexplained disappearance of the digital file. Cyber experts involved in the probe concluded that the file’s deletion was likely carried out by an individual rather than a technical fault or accident. However, despite their efforts, authorities have yet to identify the person responsible for this action. Importantly, investigators found no evidence pointing to widespread corruption within the hospital trust itself.
Families affected by these maternity failings have expressed deep distress following the news. The Nottingham Affected Families Group described the incident as a “patient safety emergency,” highlighting the importance of openness and transparency during such a sensitive time. They have urged anyone with information about the deletion to come forward in order to assist the investigation.
In response, the hospital trust’s Chief Executive, Anthony May, confirmed that new security measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of similar data losses. He emphasized that the temporary loss of the file is being treated with utmost seriousness and that the trust is cooperating fully with the police inquiry as well as conducting its own internal investigation.
The deletion of this data has extended the scope of the maternity inquiry, increasing the number of cases under review to nearly 2,500. Originally expected to conclude in September 2025, the inquiry’s deadline has now been pushed back to June 2026 to allow a more comprehensive examination of all cases.
Separately, Nottinghamshire Police are also investigating whether the trust may face corporate manslaughter charges relating to the deaths and injuries of over 2,000 babies and women. The potential charges stem from allegations of gross negligence in how the hospital managed its services.
These ongoing investigations highlight serious concerns over data security and patient safety within the NHS. Families affected by these tragedies continue to demand justice and accountability, pressing for reforms that ensure such incidents do not happen again. The outcome of these inquiries will be closely watched by healthcare professionals and the public alike, all hoping for measures that prioritize the safety and well-being of patients in the future.