Government threatens prison terms for NHS staff who refuse to co-operate with inquiries

NHS executives and other staff who refuse to engage with investigations into maternity care failures could be sent to prison for up to two years under new government proposals.

The requirement to engage with maternity reviews will apply to existing and former NHS staff, and to the ongoing inquiries at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust.

The announcement by health secretary James Murray came as Donna Ockenden published her 400-page report into care failings at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. This makes 18 specific recommendations for national action and criticises the trust’s leadership for its arrogance and the service for not learning from past inquiries (see below).

Health secretary James Murray said the government would compel staff to give evidence “to end a culture of secrecy and prevent further harm”.

He added: “This action will help ensure the reviews in Leeds and Sussex are fair and comprehensive, so that uncovering the truth does not rely solely on those who choose to come forward voluntarily. Those who refuse to do so or deliberately withhold information about failures could face up to two years in prison.”

Ms Ockenden’s report reveals that ”66 former and current” senior NUH staff were approached to contribute to the investigation. However, despite being ”contacted on multiple occasions”, only 37 came forward, 35 of which were interviewed. 

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Source: HSJ, 24 June 2026